Those are the prices for the least-generous level of health coverage, called bronze. Bronze plans cover about 60 percent of medical costs and may cost a participant $6,350 out of pocket in deductibles and co-payments, in addition to premiums.
“What has surprised me is how inexpensive some of these bronze plans will be,” Levitt said. “They’ll come with high deductibles and significant out-of-pocket costs for consumers, but for those who are looking for catastrophic protection there will be some inexpensive options out there, particularly if you’re eligible for a tax credit.”
For $214 a month, the same Baltimore 40-year-old may upgrade to a “silver” plan that covers about 70 percent of medical costs and reduced out-of-pocket expenses. A $35 monthly subsidy would discount the premium to $179.
The highest premiums in the Kaiser survey are in Vermont and New York, where the states require insurers to charge the same amount to people of all ages. That helps older people, who get a break on their premiums, at the expense of younger people, who pay more.
A 40-year-old in New York City would pay at least $308 a month for a bronze plan and $336 in Burlington, Vermont. Those who qualify for subsidies will see greatly reduced costs. For the same person earning $29,000 a year, the premium is cut to $111 in New York and $116 in Burlington.