I’m enrolling in my health insurance plan for next year, and today is the deadline. I want to get a sense of what people are paying for their coverage, especially in the Bay Area.
How much is your monthly premium? What kind of plan do you have? Do you get it through work or buy it on your own? Also, what field do you work in?
Thanks for sharing.
$755/month for a Gold PPO plan through Covered California. I’m self-employed.
I have some health conditions that require good doctors and regular checkups, so this plan made the most sense for me. But it’s still a huge expense.
@Tobin
I pay around $1,200 for the Platinum PPO. I have a lot of health issues, and honestly, this plan hasn’t covered much. I’m open to any tips because dealing with it all is exhausting.
Hadi said:
@Tobin
I pay around $1,200 for the Platinum PPO. I have a lot of health issues, and honestly, this plan hasn’t covered much. I’m open to any tips because dealing with it all is exhausting.
My in-network doctors are covered, and so is my lab work and medication. But there’s one test I need that’s too expensive out of pocket.
Also, my therapist is out-of-network, so the coverage there is terrible—even though I couldn’t find a good in-network option.
@Tobin
You might want to check if any medical trials offer the test you need. Some government-approved trials provide free diagnostic testing for certain conditions. Ask your doctor or search online for available trials.
If that doesn’t work, some providers offer cash discounts or payment plans. You could also look into medical credit options that have zero interest for a certain period.
Hadi said:
@Tobin
I pay around $1,200 for the Platinum PPO. I have a lot of health issues, and honestly, this plan hasn’t covered much. I’m open to any tips because dealing with it all is exhausting.
You’re spending about $14K a year on insurance. You might be better off getting a lower-cost plan for around $500/month and then just paying the max deductible. That way, even if you hit your max out-of-pocket, the total cost would be about the same, but with lower monthly payments.
@Tobin
Are you able to write it off on your taxes?
Tal said:
@Tobin
Are you able to write it off on your taxes?
If you’re self-employed, you can usually deduct your health insurance costs, up to your net income. But if you get ACA subsidies, it gets a little complicated. In general, though, yes, it’s deductible.
Tal said:
@Tobin
Are you able to write it off on your taxes?
Partially. But because my income fluctuates, some years I end up owing back some of the subsidy.
For 2024, my premium is jumping to $855, which is tough to manage on top of everything else getting more expensive.
Tal said:
@Tobin
Are you able to write it off on your taxes?
I don’t think you understand how a tax write-off actually works…
$0. My job covers the cost for me and my spouse, and the plan is really good.
Arie said:
$0. My job covers the cost for me and my spouse, and the plan is really good.
Same here. It’s a pretty basic plan, but I’m healthy, and the co-pays and deductibles are low.
Arie said:
$0. My job covers the cost for me and my spouse, and the plan is really good.
Technically, you’re still paying for it—it’s just included in your compensation. If health insurance were cheaper, your salary would probably be higher.
@Ren
Yeah, maybe in an ideal world.
Individual Kaiser HMO, $72 per paycheck.
Roan said:
Individual Kaiser HMO, $72 per paycheck.
Same here. I saw someone mention they pay $755 for their plan—suddenly, $72 doesn’t seem so bad.
Roan said:
Individual Kaiser HMO, $72 per paycheck.
I got a Kaiser Silver plan through Covered California for $54/month.
I pay $150 per paycheck for a family PPO with a high deductible plan.
Fin said:
I pay $150 per paycheck for a family PPO with a high deductible plan.
If you have an HDHP, you might want to check out a self-directed HSA. You can invest in high-return assets tax-free for the future.