Need help choosing level of coverage for Covered California.

Hey everyone! new to posting on this sub so please let me know if I need to provide any more info.

I was laid off in January and my employer sponsored health insurance ends today, 3/31. I was waiting to hear back on a job that would have prevented me from needing to purchase insurance individually from Covered California, but unfortunately I ended up not getting that position.

About me:

I had Blue Shield of California through my former employer:

Deductible: $500

Copays: $20

Max out of pocket: $3500

Monthly Premium: $115

My age: 27

Location: San Francisco, CA

Gross income this year so far: $36,000

I am currently unemployed and actively looking for work. I have some money saved up for my living expenses, but I would like to save my money and not go through COBRA.

My usage:

-I have a monthly prescription of a Tier 2 drug

– I have a recent health scare that required a minor surgery last week and an MRI this week. I am not sure if I will need continuing care for this issue, but I am going to assume that I will and make insurance plan choices accordingly.

– 2 doctors visits per month

I am very privileged to have access to a Medical Reimbursement Account (MRA) provided to me by the city I live/work in. That account has about 10k in it, and will cover a wide range of medical and related expenses. It will also apparently reimburse my monthly premiums.

With this in mind, when shopping on the Covered California marketplace, I need some help deciding if I should go for Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze tiers. I know for sure that I will need care, but I don't want to choose the most expensive out of pocket plan since I don't know how long I will be unemployed. I need to basically decide if it will be more cost-effective to pay higher out of pocket expenses or higher premiums. Any information or assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

See also  Two health insurance policies question

submitted by /u/millennialtragedies
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