Obamacare alternatives

[freeazabird]

I'm a small businesss owner and have to purchase my own insurance. My Obamacare rates are going up to a ridiculous amount. What are some alternative affordable healthcare options in this scenario?

[protostache]

Wait for the preview period on healthcare.gov before making any decisions. In half of the states Silver-tier costs went way up while Bronze and Gold only went up a little. This year especially it will pay to shop around, both on the exchange and with the insurance companies directly. A broker will make it all easier to navigate.

Also keep in mind that you may qualify for subsidies, depending on how much your business makes. At least run through the basic calculator on healthcare.gov to find out. The number that healthcare.gov wants to know is your AGI (form 1040 line 37) which is after all of your business expenses and retirement contributions. If that's less than 400% FPL for your family size you'll get something.

Edit: Maryland has opened their plan preview tool. You just have to plug in your family size and your income and it'll give you an estimate.

[chasesfish]

Back on the original subject - There's not a lot you can do other than choose a different plan.  You can go with an association health plan, but you'll have to do your due diligence about it paying out small claims

[FrugalToque]

I've deleted some off-topic stuff.  Please stay on topic.

Toque.

[obstinate]

Back on the original subject - There's not a lot you can do other than choose a different plan.  You can go with an association health plan, but you'll have to do your due diligence about it paying out small claims

And also be aware that things like AHPs have gone bankrupt before. If that happens at the same time as you get cancer, you will be a sad puppy.

[protostache]

Back on the original subject - There's not a lot you can do other than choose a different plan.  You can go with an association health plan, but you'll have to do your due diligence about it paying out small claims

And also be aware that things like AHPs have gone bankrupt before. If that happens at the same time as you get cancer, you will be a sad puppy.

There are also huge open questions as to whether AHPs will satisfy the mandate and if individuals will be allowed to join them, and whether they’ll have to provide community rating or not. AHPs are not going to be ready by the time open enrollment starts on November 1st so they’re not really an available alternative for 2018. Maybe 2019, but honestly I kinda doubt it.