Dive Brief:
- According to a recent survey from HealthPocket, adjustments to out-of-pocket costs have been varied across plans to be sold on the 2015 exchanges.
- Deductibles decreased overall, but while silver and gold plans saw a 9% and a 12% drop, respectively, deductibles increased by 43% on average for platinum plans.
- The survey was based on public rate filings in nine states.
Dive Insight:
Much of the discussion surrounding the cost—and relative affordability—of exchange plans has focused on premiums, but according to Kev Coleman, head of research and data at HealthPocket, it's important to take deductibles into account. After all, depending on an enrollee's utilization rate, a low-premium plan may end up costing someone just as much in out-of-pocket charges.
"Out-of-pocket costs are just as important inasmuch as they can represent thousands of dollars in annual expenses for a consumer who uses healthcare services regularly," Coleman said.
The variation in cost-sharing changes mimics the trend of price variation in exchange plan premiums across the country.