Low cost health insurance coverage is offered by Celtic Insurance Company, known for its financial stability and rated “B++“ by A.M. Best Company. Celtic’s most affordable medical policy in Pennsylvania is the “Basic” plan, which offers comprehensive benefits at a surprisingly low cost. Coverage is available to individuals, families, the self employed and the uninsured. If you need coverage for a few months or a few years, it's worth considering. However, please keep in mind that most other Pa insurers we discuss, if rated by A.M. Best, have higher ratings. That is a consideration that may factor in your decision.

Two non-preventive office visits to Network providers are included (two visits per person, per calendar year subject to a $30 copay). Additional visits are covered after the selected deductible has been met. A Network  discount will reduce the out of pocket costs on office visits that are subject to the deductible. These discounts are among the largest of the low cost health care plans. Each company negotiates for its policyholders, and usually does a pretty good job!

Prescription drug coverage includes a $15 copay on low cost generic drugs. Of course, most prescriptions that are generic will cost less than $15 so you may not use this benefit. Brand drugs with a generic substitute are subject to a $25 copay plus 100% of the cost difference between the brand name drug and the generic substitute. Of course, whenever possible, request that your physician prescribes the non-generic version.

Preferred brand name drugs are subject to 35% coinsurance and non-preferred brand and specialty drugs are subject to a 50% coinsurance. Clearly, to save money, it's always best to ask your medical care provider to use generic prescriptions if available. Otherwise, you will pay much more out of your own pocket.

Additional traditional benefits in the Celtic Pa “Basic” plan include lab and x-ray coverage, emergency room, hospital confinement and inpatient services, outpatient hospital services, preventive coverages, home health care and ambulance expenses. The ambulance benefit pays up to $3,000 per person. Most of the time, that should be sufficient.

Celtic also provides a $300 credit (per person per year) towards eligible programs that improve physical health, such as fitness and exercise club memberships. 25% of these fees will be credited after proper verification is provided. Also, discounts are provided to applicants and their spouses who have not used tobacco products in the last 12 months. The fitness and exercise benefit is a great way to lower your premiums. Celtic must approve the program but feel it is a great incentive to join an excercise club or local YMCA or JCC. There are many other participating providers that you can consider.

Pre-existing medical conditions are covered under the  Celtic “Basic” policy if outlined conditions are met. The applicant must fully discuss and disclose all pre-existing conditions when applying for a policy. After underwriting the application, if Celtic approves standard coverage, all covered benefits will be provided. Benefits are not paid for an undisclosed pre-existing condition until qualified coverage has been in effect for one year from the effective date of the prior standard policy. So if you are not currenly insured, your conditions will not be covered.

Pa Celtic Basic Brochure