In your student workbook, review the Alternate Real-World Case (also attached here) and decide whether Alexander should change his insurance or not. For your two follow up posts, what factors might impact the decision?

Alternate Real-World Case:

Alexander is a 55-years-old man. He has a healthcare insurance identification card identical to the card in figure 3.3 (except his name is substituted for Iam A. Worker).

This year, Alexander saw his in-network primary care provider (a family practice physician). His primary care provider ordered a colonoscopy. Alexander had the colonoscopy at an in-network ambulatory surgery center. No abnormalities were found. Alexander has a chronic skin condition. Each year, he sees his dermatologist in order to have his prescription renewed. The prescription for his daily medication is a common antibiotic for which his physician orders the generic equivalent. He is a former high-school and college quarterback. He currently exercises 60 to 90 minutes per day, alternating daily between cardiovascular and free-weight routines. Last year, his hip started to catch sporadically. He saw a physical therapist twice. The physical therapist gave him two sets of exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting the hip joint.

Information about Alexanders individual coverage that you will need, but that is not available on the card includes the following:

-Premium: $21.72 per month (employer pays $197.45 per month)

-Benefit year deductible: $700 for in-network; $1,400 for out-of-network

-Cost of visit to primary care physician: $79

-Colonoscopy facility costs to Alexander after insurance payment: $664 (total was $2,346)

-Colonoscopy physician costs to Alexander after insurance payment: $400 (total was $667)

-Colonoscopy anesthesiologist costs: $100 (total was $250)

-Cost of visit to dermatologist: $85

-Cost of visit to physical therapist: $52

-Alexander lives in your state (MA) and zip code(02134)

-Alexander would like to pay about $1,000 for his deductible

Should Alexander change his health insurance from the one on the healthcare insurance identification card to a high-deductible plan with a health savings account? Why or why not?