Wolf Administration Announces Approved 2019 ACA Health Insurance Rates, Highlighting Rate Decreases, More Consumer Choice

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Oct. 18 -- The Pennsylvania Insurance Department issued the following news release:

Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman today announced the approval of 2019 individual and small group (https://www.insurance.pa.gov/Consumers/HealthInsuranceFilings/Pages/ACA%20Health%20Rate%20Filings%202019.aspxx) health insurance rates under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), highlighting rate decreases as well as increased choices for many Pennsylvania consumers.

The final approved rates for the individual market will result in an aggregate statewide decrease of 2.3 percent, while the small group market final rates will result in an aggregate statewide increase of 2.6 percent. The health insurers that currently sell in Pennsylvania's individual market will all stay in the market and a new carrier has entered the market.

Many consumers will have increased choices. People in 30 of Pennsylvania's 67 counties will see more health insurers offering coverage in the individual market next year, and, in addition to a new entrant into the market, four of the five insurers already in the exchange market expanded their coverage compared to last year. Further, the number of counties with just one health insurer offering coverage on the exchange will decrease to 10.

"These rates reflect my administration's efforts to stabilize the health insurance market and afford Pennsylvania consumers the access to health care they deserve," Gov. Tom Wolf said. "Despite the Trump Administration's numerous efforts to undermine the ACA and discourage consumers from signing up, including cutting the open enrollment period in half, decimating funding for marketing the ACA to the public and funding for navigators, the Insurance Department has brought consumers choice and is working tirelessly to achieve affordability. At just 5.5 percent, Pennsylvania's uninsured rate is at an all-time low. More than a million Pennsylvanians have gained access to health care coverage available to them only because of the ACA and my decision to expand access to the Medicaid program."

"I'm pleased that the rates and increased choices will provide consumers with more options for insurance coverage for next year, and subsequently provide consumers with the opportunity to shop for the best option that fits their needs. The Insurance Department is committed to providing consumer outreach as open enrollment nears," Commissioner Altman said. "Under Gov. Wolf's leadership, Pennsylvania's insurance market has been stabilizing to the benefit of consumers."

Open enrollment for 2019 Affordable Care Act health insurance runs Nov. 1 to Dec. 15. Consumers must sign up by Dec. 15 to have coverage effective Jan. 1, 2019. On-exchange plans can be purchased at Healthcare.gov.

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department has created a resource page on its website www.insurance.pa.gov that includes a link to Healthcare.gov; local resources for assistance with enrollment; brochures and videos about health insurance; a Consumers' Checkbook that provides information on coverage options available during open enrollment; and additional valuable information.

"I encourage consumers to review the Consumers' Checkbook information now to prepare for open enrollment. This resource is a valuable tool that will help consumers consider plan and price options," Altman said.