Health Care Marketplace Shopping Can Result in Savings

Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell announced the findings of a new report showing that Wisconsin consumers who re-enrolled in the Health Insurance Marketplace last year and who switched to a plan with the same level of coverage saved $43 per month after tax credits, or $515 annually, relative to what they would have paid had they remained in the same plan as in 2014. In total, returning Marketplace consumers who switched in Wisconsin saved $14,801,429 annually in premiums by shopping around last year.

The report shows Wisconsin Marketplace consumers were active shoppers last year, with 36 percent of re-enrollees from 2014 switching to a new plan for 2015.

“Our message to returning Marketplace customers in Wisconsin is simple: Shopping may save you money,” Burwell said. “Wisconsin consumers who visited HealthCare.gov last year to comparison shop for the best plan saved $515 a year in premiums for the same level of coverage, and we expect people to be able to find similar deals for 2016.”

Nationwide, during Open Enrollment in the Marketplace this coming year, if all consumers switched from their current plan to the lowest-cost premium plan in the same metal level, consumers could save an average of $610 annually before tax credits and the total savings – to consumers and taxpayers (in premiums and tax credits) – would be more than $4 billion. For 2016, more than 8 in 10 current Marketplace enrollees can find a lower premium plan in the same metal level before tax credits by returning to shop. Last year, HHS projected that if all returning consumers who bought a silver plan in 2014 switched to the lowest-cost silver plan in 2015, they would have saved an average of $492 annually. If all returning consumers had switched to the lowest-cost plan within their metal level, across all metal levels, the total savings in premiums would have been more than $2 billion before tax credits.

The findings underscore that the Marketplace offers a competitive insurance market from which consumers can choose affordable health plans based on their specific needs and budget. It also shows that consumers using HealthCare.gov are smart shoppers, who pay close attention to plan costs when making selections.

HealthCare.gov offers detailed information about each health insurance plan sold in an area, including out-of-pocket costs, customer service and more. Consumers can visit the 2016 health insurance plans and prices tool on HealthCare.gov and use the new total yearly out-of-pocket cost estimator to learn more about their specific costs. Health insurance plans on the Marketplace are classified by metal level, which range from bronze, with the lowest premiums but the highest deductibles and co-pays, to platinum with the highest premiums and lowest deductibles and co-pays.

Open Enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace started on Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 31, 2016. Sign up by Dec. 15 to have coverage that starts Jan. 1. You can find help by calling 800.318.2596 (TTY: 855.889.4325) 24/7 or find free, confidential in-person assistance in your local area by visiting localhelp.healthcare.gov.

Click here to read the report and to see state-by-state information on consumer choices. 

FIVE TIPS TO SHOP & SAVE

1. Renew your coverage: You can come back to the Marketplace, update your information and select a plan for 2016. You can choose to stay in your current plan if it’s still available or pick a new plan.
2. Plans change every year: Plans on the Marketplace change every year and because of that, new, better and more affordable plans might be available in your area. You can visit HealthCare.gov now to check out your plan options for 2016 and prices through the recently launched window shopping feature.
3. It pays to shop: Even if none of your information has changed, you may still be able to get a better deal. Marketplace consumers have the option to switch plans annually. This means that during Open Enrollment you can shop to see if there is a plan available that saves you more money, offers you more services, or includes more doctors.
4. Lower premiums are available: Last year, consumers who shopped and switched plans saved an average of nearly $400 nationwide. And this year, more than 7 out of 10 current consumers will be able to find a plan with premiums less than $75.
5. Make changes by Dec. 15: If you want updates to your coverage to start on Jan. 1, come back, update your info and make sure you have the best plan to meet your health and budget needs before the Dec. 15 deadline.