Hawaii 2018 Affordable Care Act Individual Rates

HONOLULU, Nov. 1 -- The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' Insurance Division issued the following news release:

The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division released final decisions for 2018 Affordable Care Act (ACA) individual plan health insurance rates. These rates are expected to affect approximately 34,000 individuals currently purchasing ACA individual plans.

Click here to view Table: http://cca.hawaii.gov/ins/release-hawaii-2018-affordable-care-act-individual-rates/

"Increasing utilization of medical services by a segment of the individual market and the immense uncertainty on the national front regarding the ACA has impacted rates. The discontinuation of Cost Sharing Reduction (CSR) funding and unpredictability over the non-enforcement of the Individual Mandate resulted in rates increasing on average of 10 percent to 14 percent. However, Advanced Premium Tax Credits can help to lower your monthly payment.

"It is worth the time to shop and compare plans across the various offerings. This year, a Gold plan could be more affordable than a Silver plan. Bronze plans can be as affordable as $5-10 per month depending on your age and income. It's best to take into consideration more than just monthly premium rates, but also the deductible amounts and out-of-pocket maximums to determine the right plan for your insurance needs," Insurance Commissioner Gordon Ito said.

The Insurance Division's approval of rates was made pursuant to the statutory requirement that rates cannot be excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory. All submitted data regarding the rates is closely reviewed by rate and policy analysts and actuaries.

"With the rising costs of the healthcare delivery system, rates must also be set at adequate levels to prevent insolvency and keep competition in the market. Inadequate rates could result in an insurer failing to meet statutory solvency requirements which would jeopardize policyholders and providers under their plans," said Commissioner Ito.

Consumers are encouraged to review and understand the offered ACA plans during open enrollment starting today on HealthCare.gov. With the halt of CSR funding, this year's plan options have become increasingly complex. Further clarification on the issues related to the Open Enrollment period of the ACA Individual Market are available online here (https://cca.hawaii.gov/ins/files/2017/10/Clarifying-Issues-Related-to-Open-Enrollment-Period-of-ACA-Individual-Market.pdf).