Many exchange health plans have limited access to National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated cancer centers or transplant centers. They also impose high out-of-pocket costs for patients with silver and bronze level plans, according to a report commissioned by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).
The report, prepared by Milliman, provides an early look at the 2014 individual benefit designs, coverage benefits, and premiums for policies sold on four state health insurance exchanges in California, New York, Florida, and Texas.
The report reveals the following areas of concern:
• Narrow networks: Many specialty providers and hospitals that cancer patients rely upon are largely left out of the new health insurance exchange plans. Cancer patients could rack up thousands of dollars of medical expenses without reaching their out-of-pocket maximum since it is unlikely that any out-of-network expenses will count toward a patient’s out-of-pocket maximum. This it more important than ever to have adequate networks covering specialty care.
• High cost sharing: The lower tier bronze and silver plans require significant cost-sharing from patients. Qualified health plans come with high deductibles — sometimes nearly as high as the out-of-pocket ceiling. The maximum out-of-pocket limits set for 2014 are $6,350 for an individual policy and $12,799 for a family policy. Some insurers offer plans with lower out-of-pocket limits in some states. However, the out-of-pocket limit does not apply to non-covered drugs or treatment centers.
• Challenges with transparency: Given the difficulty in navigating the health insurance system and the number of choices for consumers, providing thorough and accurate information is critical to ensuring consumers have the right kind of health insurance.
For more information, visit www.LLS.org
