What specific health insurance options are available to physician assistants, and how do they compare to those offered to other healthcare professionals?
Physician assistants (PAs) can obtain health insurance through their employer, the individual market, or professional associations.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates that PAs and other individuals have health insurance or face a tax penalty.
The ACA established health insurance marketplaces where PAs can purchase coverage and may be eligible for subsidies.
PAs should consider disability insurance for financial protection in case of illness or injury and malpractice insurance for protection in case of medical malpractice lawsuits.
Employer-sponsored health insurance plans may offer different coverage and cost-sharing options compared to individual market plans.
Professional associations may offer group health insurance plans with lower premiums and improved coverage for PAs.
The ACA expanded access to Medicaid, which may be an option for low-income PAs.
Short-term health insurance plans are available for PAs facing a gap in coverage, but these plans may not cover pre-existing conditions or essential health benefits.
PAs may face higher premiums and limited coverage options if they have pre-existing conditions or high-risk factors.
Telemedicine services may be covered under some health insurance plans, providing PAs with additional options for accessing healthcare services.
PAs should carefully review the provider network of their health insurance plan to ensure their preferred healthcare providers and hospitals are covered.
PAs should consider the cost-sharing features of their health insurance plan, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, when selecting a plan.