Source: David Lazarus, L.A.Times ( Free Registration )

The L’Esperances are your typical American family. They work hard. They try to get ahead. They don’t ask anyone for help. And they pray they don’t get sick.

Mom and Dad—a.k.a. Laguna Beach residents Jan and Paul L’Esperance—sell kitchenware on behalf of various manufacturers. They’ve just been informed by Anthem Blue Cross that premiums for their health insurance will rise 18% to $985 a month.

That might sound almost reasonable until you understand that Paul, 63, and Jan, 61, each have a $5,000 deductible, meaning that they’re on the hook for all healthcare expenses except under the most catastrophic circumstances.

Read Full Article: Healthcare coverage in name only