States Gauge Health Exchange Rate Increases, Brace For Open Season
Officials expressed confidence in the readiness of Colorado's exchange while reports indicate that consumers in Illinois and Arizona will experience increases in coverage costs.
The Denver Post:
Colorado Health Exchange Ready For Influx Of Customers Of Failed Co-Op
The leader of the state health exchange expressed confidence Monday that most people losing Colorado HealthOP policies will stay with the exchange. The largest insurer on the Connect for Health Colorado exchange is shutting down after regulators determined it is financially unstable. It has about 83,000 exchange customers and 29,000 other policyholders. The nonprofit was one of 22 cooperatives created through the ACA and supported by the government to provide low-cost competition. Eight have folded. (Olinger, 10/26)
The Associated Press:
Illinois Insurance Prices Up For Some Under Health Care Law
Many Illinois consumers will pay higher prices for health insurance entering the third year of President Barack Obama's health care law, industry experts said after the government published the 2016 prices Monday. The federal government said the cost of a benchmark plan in Illinois on HealthCare.gov will increase 6.1 percent for 2016 coverage, but most people will be able to buy a plan for less than $100 a month after tax credits. (Johnson, 10/26)
The Arizona Republic:
HHS: Arizona Health Plan Set For 17.5% Rate Hike
Arizonans who buy health insurance from the Affordable Care Act marketplace next week will see that the key benchmark plan raises monthly rates 17.5 percent — more than twice the national average rate increase, according to figures released Monday by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (Alltucker, 10/26)
The Des Moines Register:
Obamacare Enrollment Fair Set For Nov. 2 In Des Moines
Central Iowans interested in signing up for subsidized health insurance are invited to an “enrollment fair” next week. The event is intended to help people understand their options under the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. Many moderate-income citizens can qualify for federal subsidies to help pay health-insurance premiums. The enrollment period for 2016 starts Sunday. (Leys, 10/26)
