Double-digit rate increases coming for those in region with Covered California health plans
On average, the premiums for health plans purchased under the Affordable Care Act will increase 10 percent in the pricing region that includes
The proposed rates for certain health plans offered in the region will increase by as much as 32 percent, mirroring the sharp increases seen in other states where insurers are asking for 20 to 40 percent higher premiums for Obamacare insurance policies.
In
But that has not been the experience for
"It is just going to go up, and we are going to be paying more," Nasrawi said. "Unless you are eligible for a subsidy, you are paying more than you did five years ago."
During a news conference Monday, reporters asked why the premium increases would be three times the state average in
Covered California Executive Director
In addition, some smaller counties have fewer doctors and medical facilities. The premium spikes in places like
This year, about 68,000 people in
Starting in January, the premium increases are expected to average 11 percent for those with Anthem coverage; 13 percent for
The proposed premiums were negotiated between Covered California and the 12 insurance organizations that offer plans on the exchange. The rates are subject to a 60-day review by the state
Almost 90 percent of the 1.3 million Californians with Obamacare insurance receive an income-based tax subsidy that lowers their premiums. With the subsidy, the average premium for the most popular plan will increase from
A 40-year-old adult who's not eligible for a subsidy will pay
Residents in the five-county pricing region will have a choice of at least two insurance companies, and those in
Lee said consumers in
A shop-and-compare tool at www.coveredca.com will be available
Blue Shield of
During contract negotiations seven months ago,
Sutter spokeswoman
Garner said average overall rate increases for health plans have been held to the low single digits for the past several years.
The cost of drugs also is driving insurance rates higher everywhere, especially high-cost drugs for treating hepatitis C and other diseases, Persike said. "If you have drug addicts that start demanding payment for care for hepatitis C -- as is their right under the law -- it is an
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