As deductibles have risen steadily in health plans sold in the ACA marketplace, plans are offering more services that are not subject to the deductible. HHS has embraced this trend and incorporated it in the standardized benefit designs launching in the 2017 (which are optional for insurers).
California, which has had mandatory standard plan designs since the launch of the marketplace in 2014, has always included benefits not subject to the deductible in those designs -- and they have expanded outside-the-deductible services periodically, as deductibles and copays have also risen steadily.
In 2014, bronze plans offered on Covered California had a $5,000 deductible, with no separate deductible for drugs. Three primary care doctor visits were not subject to the deductible, as were three urgent care, outpatient mental health or substance abuse visits. In 2016, when the medical deductible was raised to $6,000, a $500 pharmacy deductible was added, and laboratory tests were put outside the deductible.
California, which has had mandatory standard plan designs since the launch of the marketplace in 2014, has always included benefits not subject to the deductible in those designs -- and they have expanded outside-the-deductible services periodically, as deductibles and copays have also risen steadily.
In 2014, bronze plans offered on Covered California had a $5,000 deductible, with no separate deductible for drugs. Three primary care doctor visits were not subject to the deductible, as were three urgent care, outpatient mental health or substance abuse visits. In 2016, when the medical deductible was raised to $6,000, a $500 pharmacy deductible was added, and laboratory tests were put outside the deductible.
