With the most recent implementation of the Affordable Care Act's provisions effective January 1, 2014 the answer to your question in the individual health insurance marketplace is to shop all of the options available to you and don't smoke. Selecting health insurance plans hasn't really gotten any simpler for the consumer so I would recommend you seek out the guidance of a health insurance broker (it's not going to cost you any more). Tobacco usage is really the only rating variable allowed under the health care reform law and even that option is not applied uniformly by all insurance carriers.
However, in today's individual health insurance marketplace your rates are going to be determined by your age without any considerations for health status, height & weight or sex. So, in practical terms there is virtually nothing the individual consumer can do to impact their health insurance rate
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There are many steps you can take to get the lowest available health insurance rate. Of course, working with an experienced health insurance broker could potentially save a large amount of money and enrollment time.
Here's why:
The calculation of your federal subsidy is critical to understanding which available plans are best for your specific circumstances, and which plans will be the least expensive. For example, cost-sharing "Silver" Exchange options are a hidden gem that many inexperienced navigators and brokers may not be aware of.
Also, if you miss Open Enrollment or need to buy an "off-Exchange" plan, there are specific policies that will work best for you. It's critical to accurately compare prices and understand why certain plans are the best options.
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However, in today's individual health insurance marketplace your rates are going to be determined by your age without any considerations for health status, height & weight or sex. So, in practical terms there is virtually nothing the individual consumer can do to impact their health insurance rate
Here's why:
The calculation of your federal subsidy is critical to understanding which available plans are best for your specific circumstances, and which plans will be the least expensive. For example, cost-sharing "Silver" Exchange options are a hidden gem that many inexperienced navigators and brokers may not be aware of.
Also, if you miss Open Enrollment or need to buy an "off-Exchange" plan, there are specific policies that will work best for you. It's critical to accurately compare prices and understand why certain plans are the best options.