Some Californians Reeling From Changes In Health Law Plans
Although California's exchange is more stable than in other states, some people here are still facing steep increases or more limited benefits.
Los Angeles Times:
As Obamacare Enrollment Nears, Some Californians See Big Hikes In Health Premiums
California has been lauded for creating its own online insurance market, which experts say helped to sharply reduce the share of people without coverage and kept rate hikes lower than elsewhere for the vast majority of policyholders. Almost 90% of Californians getting insurance from the exchange receive taxpayer-provided assistance to help them afford the premiums. But as Californians receive their premium rates for next year, some — including those who make too much to qualify for those government subsidies — are learning their hikes will be far higher than the average statewide increase of 13.2% announced by the state insurance exchange in July. (Petersen, 10/28)
California Healthline:
Reduce Your Obamacare Sticker Shock
The past few weeks have been scary ones for consumers with Obamacare health plans. As if open enrollment weren’t stressful enough, they’ve also been bombarded with headlines about 2017 rate hikes of 25 percent, 50 percent or even more. But there’s some hope for Californians. Our rate increases, while high by our standards, are generally lower than in other states. And if you’re willing to be flexible, most of you can limit your premium increases to no more than 5 percent. (Bazar, 10/28)