Health insurance premiums are expected to increase in 2017. An analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation reveals benchmark silver plan premiums in Affordable Care Act marketplaces are projected to increase by 10 percent for 14 major metropolitan areas.
There are multiple reasons for the proposed increase in premiums, according to Dr. Mark Shields, a senior advisor for a national consulting firm.
“It’s really a mark of success that millions have participated, but one of the challenges is that more people who are considered higher risk have signed up because they need the care, but then that puts pressure on the premiums,” Shields said of the ACA. “There is expected to be an adjustment because the insurance companies priced the product too low. The other reason is that the administration allowed more plans to be grandfathered in so it kept some low-risk people from going into the exchange.”
Consumers concerned about the rate increases should keep in mind that the requested hikes need approval by the state before they could go into effect on Nov. 1, Shields added.
They should also remember that they have options.
“Consumers need to shop,” Shields said. “What happens is one year to the next, the lower price plans change. If you stay in it, you might end up paying more. It’s possible consumers may have to change doctors but not definite.
“There’s something called ‘narrow network.’ It’s providers working with plans to make health care accessible and more affordable,” Shields explained. “It can be an option for some people. If you smoke, you need to stop because it’s costing you more to be a smoker.”
The cost of higher premiums can be offset with tax credits offered through the ACA, Shields said, adding that 80 percent of people receive some type of tax credit.
While more than half of states have disclosed how much their health care premiums could be for 2017, Illinois won’t make that information available until Aug. 1 despite submitting rate plans in April.
Shields joins Bruce Japsen, health care and policy reporter for Forbes, to talk about what else consumers can expect.
Sign up for our morning newsletter to get all of our stories delivered to your mailbox each weekday.
2016 Health Care Enrollment Deadline Nears
Jan. 26: State, local and federal officials are urging those without health coverage to sign up for the Affordable Care Act before next week's open enrollment deadline. Paris Schutz explains why it could affect your health care premiums.
Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Begins
Nov. 2, 2015: Open enrollment has just begun for health care insurance under the Affordable Care Act. As President Obama's signature health care reform enters its third year, we assess the impact of the ACA on health care provision in Illinois.
Shopping for Health Insurance Through the Illinois Marketplace
Nov. 3, 2015: Enrollment is now open for health insurance through the Get Covered Illinois marketplace. The Midwest regional director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services tells us what to look for when reconsidering or shopping for a health insurance policy under the Affordable Care Act.