What Will the End of COVID Declarations Mean for RVers?

In November 2008 we were told in a speech by President Obama to “engage change”. I still have the rock gifted to me in 2008 reminding me how much the insurance industry has changed in the last nine years since the ACA was implemented.

RVers are the most resilient people on the planet. We have to be because our lifestyle dictates the need to be so. Well RVers…get ready, because you are going to be calling on your resilience once again as we watch the impact of the end of the COVID Health Emergency, coming in the very near future. This change will cause us to take proactive action again regarding our health insurance, not only for those under age 65 but Medicare beneficiaries will also see some changes.

Your Healthcare Costs in RV-speak

In terms an RVer can relate to; the Affordable Care Act has the price tag equivalent to a luxury motorhome, and the dependability of a pup tent.

clipart of a tent, a woman, and a motorhome

For a couple using a Livingston Texas address, both sixty years old, their monthly premium for the least expensive Blue Cross Blue Shield plan without a subsidy is $1498.68 per month. The out of pocket cost before the benefits are activated is $9,100 per person. The true annual cost of using this insurance, with claims, is $35,968.32. 

Just like your RV tires over the last 5-years, your benefits while on the road have worn out too. What started with such promise has now diminished over the last five years to basically paying for ER visits only. 

Steep Grade Ahead

From our daily review of legislative changes, the grade is about to become steeper and the decent conditions are still unknown. Currently, many RVers who normally would not qualify for a tax credit are currently enjoying significant premium reductions. That is expected to change.

The House of Representative recently voted to end the COVID Public Health Emergency implemented by the Trump administration and kept in place by the Biden Administration. The Biden Administration announced on Monday the COVID Public Health Emergency will end on May 11, 2023. 

What will happen to those subsidies…your subsidies, that are keeping healthcare costs manageable? We don’t know yet. We aren’t professing to be pro-subsidy, we are just bringing the facts to the table so you know what you are up against. Whichever side of the subsidy fence you are on, change is coming.

Healthcare Change Is Coming

Though change is certainly coming, certain “flexibilities” to the COVID Public Health Emergency have been extended through 2024. Those include payment to doctors for Medicare Beneficiaries to receive extended “tele-health visits and other benefits not normally available”. 

The impact of pulling the plug on the COVID Public Health Emergency could run as deep as “Hells Canyon” if not properly implemented with public announcements for the timeline of changes being made.

At RVer Insurance Exchange, we are always on top of all legislative issues. Stay tuned as we share more with the RV Community and remember to share the articles and links with you RVing friends! In a hurry? Call us for your health insurance needs at (800) 867-4330. Visit rverinsurance.com for a list of additional services available.

Coleen Elkins

Coleen Elkins

Coleen Elkins is the Managing General Agent at RV Insurance Benefits, and has been a full-time RVer since 2008.