Today’s The Day

Today is November 1 and here we go again – the fourth go-around for open enrollment under the Affordable Care Act.

The Obama administration is downplaying the double-digit premium hikes that have been announced in almost every state, saying that tax subsidies will bring down the actual cost to consumers. But what about those who don’t qualify for a subsidy? Will rising premiums cause more people to decide they would rather pay the fine than shell out big bucks for coverage?

And what about those elusive “young and healthy” people who need to jump into the risk pool? Can anything be done to convince them to sign up for coverage?

Americans will elect a new president and a new Congress one week from today. How will the results of that election change the health insurance landscape?

But what we at InsuranceNewsNet most want to know is what our readers are seeing as they serve their employer groups and individual clients. How are you coping with vanishing premiums? How are employer groups dealing with higher costs? What about the individual who wants to obtain coverage for himself or his family but needs your help to make a wise decision?

We would like you to share your observations with us. I want to know your experiences and opinions on this vital topic so that we can share them with our audience.

Please take a moment as open enrollment season progresses and tell us what you are seeing and hearing in your marketplace. You can contact us at [email protected] or [email protected] and give us a feel for what is happening in your practice and in your community.

Susan Rupe is managing editor for InsuranceNewsNet. She formerly served as communications director for an insurance agents' association and was an award-winning newspaper reporter and editor. Contact her at [email protected].

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