Florida Blue: Health Law Enrollments 'Exceeded Expectations' But Premiums May Rise In 2015

Kaiser Health News ^ | April 23, 2014 | By Daniel Chang and Patricia Borns, Miami Herald

[Oldeconomybuyer]

Most of the consumers who bought a private health plan from Florida Blue through the Affordable Care Act’s insurance exchanges between October and April were previously uninsured — one of many factors potentially leading to higher premium rates in 2015, according to a senior executive.

Jason Altmire, senior vice president of public policy for Florida Blue, cited familiar reasons for a likely rise in rates next year.

Altmire said “most” Florida Blue consumers who signed up for exchange plans have paid their first month’s premium, which is required to activate a plan. But he said many consumers remain uneducated about the health law.

“A lot of folks,” he said, “thought it was going to be free.’’

[Oldeconomybuyer]

[Joe Brower]

I've had Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Florida for many years, and the premium has crept up, mostly in the last couple of years, to where I now pay $1,100.00 per month with a $500 deductible. It's unsustainable.

But due to a couple of pre-existing conditions, it's either stick with this or go to the Obamacare exchange. I'll let my insurance go completely before I do that.

So I'm currently looking for options. Any ideas/advice?

Florida Freeper

[Mouton]

Florida BS was exactly as its abbreviation implys is exactly that. This company was at the forfront of pushing for this legislation BECAUSE it benefitted them financially to do so. I hope they get it stuck up their kasuki.

[dan on the right]

What a bunch of nonsense.

They don’t say what their expectations were which were exceeded. They admit the young didn’t sign up. They admit most of the people that signed up “weren’t in very good shape”. They admit premiums will go up next year.

It is written like and endorsement of Obamacare, when the details are just the opposite and an indictment of a failed health plan. Read between the lines - the cost will get prohibitively more expensive next year (when they see how much it actually cost to insure the pre-existing “mature” crowd without the “young invincibles” premiums) and after the Obamacare waivers expire.

Won’t matter. All the bad stuff will be after mid-term elections. The Dems think short term since the Low info voter and slobbering press have no memory (assuming they know anything in the first place)- so all will be forgiven for by 2016 for Queen Hillary.

[Adder]

Get a higher deductible and maybe higher copays...will bring the per mo cost down...not sure how much you use the policy tho. I have some health issues but they are day to day manageable so I do not use it much...still hurts to pay so much tho...

[GOPJ]

Other reasons consumers may see higher premiums in 2015, he said, include the Obama administration’s decision to allow Americans to keep their health insurance plans for an additional year even if the plans did not meet the coverage requirements of the health law.

Yes, UNTIL AFTER the election..

[Mike Darancette]

Altmire said “most” Florida Blue consumers who signed up for exchange plans have paid their first month’s premium.

So 49% of consumers didn't pay the first month’s premium.

[yorkiemom]

Most of the consumers who bought a private health plan from Florida Blue through the Affordable Care Act’s insurance exchanges between October and April were previously uninsured — one of many factors potentially leading to higher premium rates in 2015, according to a senior executive.

There is some information missing here. Just because people were not formerly insured has nothing to do with premiums rising. The only reason for premiums to go up is that more people are being subsidized than are paying full premiums with presumably little cost (young and healthy).

“A lot of folks,” he said, “thought it was going to be free.’’

LOL! What fun! Socialism is never 'FREE'. Somebody has to pay.