One potential claimant with a chronic knee issue, David Reines of New Jersey, explains why a high deductible (a sum that the claimant must pay themselves) is blocking use of the policies. He says: ‘The deductible, $3,000 a year, makes it impossible to actually go to the doctor. We have insurance, but can’t afford to use it.’

Deductibles

The New York Times has found that over 50 per cent of plans on sale in many states through HealthCare.gov (the federal online marketplace) have deductibles (known as excesses in some countries) over $3,000 or more. Source: New York Times