A readersent me the text of a conversation they had with a health care navigator about plans and premium costs. According to the navigator while income is a factor, what they really need to determine your cost… is your zip code.
Reader: The letter I received stated an “estimated” monthly premium for 2016. We are looking at all our options, and would like to know the exact amount of the premium based on his 2015 earnings.
Navigator: They are not based on earnings, they are based on zip code. We only need to know your zip code.
Reader: Last year CHO only wanted our net income, and then told us the one lowest option we had after taxes… for a catastrophic plan. What do you mean zip code. How does that work?
Navigator: Rural or City zip code will affect the change to the policy amount.
Reader: WHAT??? …
Navigator: What it takes into account is if you live in a rural community you most likely have to travel, so the premium is based on your zip code and if you have to travel. If you are in a city you will not have to travel as far.
All I can figure out so far is that the Zip Code is used to determine plans and pricing and or to estimate tax credits against the cost of coverage. But why? Because you are “more likely to travel” or will want or have to travel?
