Many Americans do not know that there are options outside of the Affordable Care Act. There are lots of plans in your within the ACA, unfortunately, if you are not able to get a subsidized plan, it can be very expensive per month and when you use it. The ACA deductibles begin at $8,700 and most of the bronze level plans cover very little until that high deductible is met. That is where the private options are typically more flexible because there are more deductible options to help you lower your out-of-pocket costs.
In general, private plans will allow you to do a little more. Not only do they help you lower your cost while using the coverage, but there are many other features that make it more usable. Here are some of the reasons that most people get and keep these private options.
Access to More Facilities
Choosing an HMO or EPO plan through the Affordable Care Act or commonly referred to as Obamacare or Marketplace gives you access to limited/smaller networks of doctors and hospitals. Oftentimes these are government-run facilities or very general doctors. If you want to have the option to ever go to a 5-star specialist or facility, you will have to make sure to have the right health plan in place ahead of time. That is why a private insurance plan with a PPO network is the more usable option. Most of the better and best facilities in the US except almost all PPO plans. This is because they know that they are going to get paid a better rate for their time and specialty.
Choosing Your Own Doctor
Not all plans are the same, but the private healthcare plans allow you to select a doctor within a much larger network. It can be a significant benefit if you want to be seen by the same doctor or keep your current doctor.
PPO plans will only allow you to select a doctor within your network. Preferred provider organizations will let you choose a physician within or outside your network but with an additional fee. Indemnity health insurance will allow you to select any doctor or hospital at no extra cost.
Shorter Wait Times
Having the ability to go where you want to go, not where you have to go will allow you to choose Private healthcare facilities that are usually less busy. Most of these facilities will have shorter waiting periods, compared to public facilities. You can get treatment as quickly as possible regardless of whether it is an emergency or not. Even in cases where the line is long, you can always pay extra to get faster medical attention.
Improved Facilities
Public health facilities are funded with government money, these facilities are not meant to cater to everyone’s needs and are there for more generalized and not great for specialty services. Often overcrowding and may lack of comfort amenities are some of the biggest complaints. Private facilities however are well funded, well maintained, and more professional. You will find that they are generally specialized in many different categories and affiliated with other specialty facilities to help take care of your medical needs faster and better.
Unrestricted Visiting Hours
Having access to better hospitals will make life easier when your medical needs are getting complicated. Unlike public health facilities, most private hospitals will have better visiting hours for guests. This is mostly due to being better funded and having more staff ready to help. This means that your loved ones can visit you in the hospital and not just sit in waiting rooms.
Private Rooms
Many public facilities are overcrowded, private facilities will give you your very own private room. You don’t have to worry about being in a mixed-gender ward. Some policies will even allow you to have an ensuite bathroom.