The cost of health care can vary greatly from one year to the next. One family with a chronic condition may be more likely to experience higher medical expenses than another, even if both families have had the same health care coverage.
A tool like KFF Marketplace's calculator can help find you an affordable health plan that suits your needs and budget. The site includes information on cost-sharing, deductibles and maximums.
Average Health Insurance Deductible
The deductible is the amount that you must pay before your health insurer begins to pay on your behalf. You and your insurance company will usually share the costs of medical services up until the deductible is reached. Once you've reached this level, it is your health insurance that pays the rest.
You can choose between a health plan with high or low deductibles. Low deductible plans usually have lower premiums but will cost you more if you fall ill or need to pay for a medical emergency.
Individuals and families with the most expensive plans have a minimum annual deductible amount of $1700. Lively CEO Ryan Wiik claims that Obamacare's plans carry the highest deductibles.
Bronze-tier plans are relatively affordable if you don't use prescriptions or expect to need many medical services. Bronze-tier health insurance plans often have higher deductibles but lower premiums than other coverage tiers. Some bronze plans have deductibles which are the same as the $7.900 maximum allowed by law.