There are two separate issues here. One is the simpler technical problem of actually making the website work. As set up, the website is an information collection process, first getting the name, the location and other relevant information FROM the potential client, and only then, revealing the options.
But the information revealed is fragmented and in many instances, either wrong, or filled with so many caveats it is difficult, if not impossible, to make an informed decision.
The second problem is with the array of options made available. The various levels of coverage may have relatively low monthly assessments (which rise sharply with the number of persons included in the family plan), but the “deductibles” reach astronomical levels, resulting in a sum to be satisfied before the first dollar of insurance is payable, greater than the annual cost of the health insurance previously.
A huge swindle, by any standard, but wait, it gets better. Suppose that for any of the services that are actually delivered, some of them come from a facility or professional outside the network that includes all the professionals who agree to accept the payment from that particular insurance program, then the payment becomes the patient’s responsibility alone. This is not even good charity work.
Upshot, NO health care benefits are ever actually delivered, but the individual, who perhaps wrongly thought coverage was provided, is now faced with probably bankruptcy or certainly some staggering bills that may be around for years.
My wife and I found a simpler solution. She has given three months notice that she is quitting her job. I’m an IT contractor without insurance but we are both covered under her employer.
In January we’ll be flying without a parachute. No health care insurance. We’re part of the young invincibles, yeah baby!
Except we will also be turning 60 at the same time. :\