Please Note: You must be less than 30-years-old or otherwise qualify for a hardship exemption in order to purchase catastrophic medical insurance under The Affordable Care Act.
If you are less than 30-years-old, live a healthy lifestyle, and rarely visit a doctor’s office, then you may qualify for basic medical insurance under The Affordable Care Act, also referred to as catastrophic medical insurance. This type of medical insurance offers basic coverage at an affordable price, and will protect you financially in the event of a serious injury or illness. Young adults who do not regularly visit a physician’s office, purchase prescription drugs, or otherwise undergo regular medical treatment are ideal candidates for catastrophic medical insurance.
Basic medical insurance may be purchased through WNC Health Insurance / The Asheville Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina® Store at low monthly premiums. If you are working with a limited budget, or only want basic medical insurance to protect yourself against large, unforeseen medical expenses, then a catastrophic health care plan may be right for you.
Because the premium rates for catastrophic plans are already so low, these plans are not eligible for federal subsidies in the form of advanced premium tax credits.
Catastrophic medical insurance plans are able to keep their premiums low by requiring that you pay 100% of almost all medical expenses out-of-pocket until your deductible is met. Until the deductible is met, catastrophic plans only cover up to three doctor visits to an in-network physician for a $35 co pay, and offer no co pays for prescription drugs. However, after your deductible is met, your insurance carrier will pay all covered medical bills at 100% for the remainder of the coverage year.
Like all other health insurance plans offered through WNC Health Insurance / The Asheville Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina® store, your catastrophic medical insurance will cover 100% of preventative medical services at no cost to you.