Obamacare premiums in Florida to rise up to 27% Open enrollment has started for 2017 plans

WPTV ^ | Nov 1, 2016 | Wanda Moore

[xzins]

WEST PALM BEACH, Fl. - It was the first day of open enrollment for plans for 2017 under the Affordable Care Act and Floridians are looking at a hefty price increase.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, premiums in the Sunshine State are set to go up by as much as 27 percent. Other states are looking much worse. Oklahoma is looking at a 75% increase.

Lyne Holue will lose her coverage on Dec 31st because her current carrier dropped out of the market, leaving only three to choose from and leaving her unsure where to turn.

"I don't know what's going to happen," Holue said.

"Pricing, the plan and the network," Gannon said. "You really have to find a good combination of all three and that's not so easy. The plan might look good but there might not be a doctor in your area."

For many Floridians, including Holue, another rise in premiums is a heavy financial burden.

"I'm wondering: Do I need to get another job?," Holue said.

[Paul R.]

I understand that even those with subsidized premiums still are subject to the deductibles. Is that true?

It's true everywhere I know of.

I am dropping out in 2017 because you can qualify for a financial hardship if the premiums are 8.3% of your income. In 2017, they will be 11.5% of my income.

Is that the premium before or after the subsidy? I assume that's only for Bronze Plans (as Silver, etc., would of necessity have higher Premiums.)

[Paul R.]

I understand that even those with subsidized premiums still are subject to the deductibles. Is that true?

I'd add that that may only be for Bronze plans -- my family can't afford anything more, so I did not investigate higher cost plans as carefully.

[Paul R.]

BTW, it’s very important to explain something to those one may discuss these issues with: The subsidies do NOT materialize out of thin air. In the end, they come out of the pockets of working people — another part of our “rigged” system that far too many do not understand clearly.

[xzins]

That’s a good point. All of us are paying for this monstrosity via our taxes. Some of these poor schmucks have to pay the premiums, the deductibles, AND pay taxes.

Talking about getting the shaft.

[Paul R.]

Blue Oyster Cult had it right:

I plot your rubric scarab, I steal your satellite I want your wife to be my baby tonight I choose to steal what you chose to show And you know I will not apologize Your mine for the taking

I'm making a career of evil I'm making a career of evil I'm making a career of evil

Pay me I'll be your surgeon, I'd like to pick your brains Capture you, Inject you, leave you kneeling in the rain I choose to steal what you chose to show And you know I will not apologize Your mine for the taking

I'm making a career of evil I'm making a career of evil I'm making a career of evil

I'd like your blue eyed horseshoe, I'd like your emerald horny toad I'd like to do it to your daughter on a dirt road

And then I'd spend your ransom money, but still I'd keep your sheep I'd peel the mask your wearing, and then rob you of your sleep I choose to steal what you chose to show And you know I will not apologize Your mine for the taking

I'm making a career of evil I'm making a career of evil I'm making a career of evil I'm making a career of evil I'm making a career of evil I'm making a career of evil I'm making a career of evil

[Paul R.]

I wonder if some enterprising FReeper has a link to a state by state rundown of the Bronze and Silver plans?

[xzins]

I went looking for it and couldn’t find it.

[Paul R.]

Yup. This renders any notion of middle class families holding their own, economically speaking, nonsense. And don’t even talk to me about the notion that health care costs are coming under control. (That’s not directed at you personally!)

[xzins]

Look at #’s 21, 35, 36.

I don’t know how people can pay this.

[EVO X]

Here is one you play around with that has 2017 rates http://kff.org/interactive/subsidy-calculator/

[EVO X]

If you want to preview actual plans you can go to healthcare.gov without logging on at https://www.healthcare.gov/see-plans/

[Lizavetta]

Is that the premium before or after the subsidy?

After. If it's higher than 8.3% after the subsidy, it's certainly going to be higher than that before the subsidy. Yes, I am on the Bronze plan which I believe is the only plan that has subsidies at all.

And even that is too high with no coverage, essentially. I truly despise the political class and their donors who have done this to us.

[Lizavetta]

The subsidies do NOT materialize out of thin air. In the end, they come out of the pockets of working people — another part of our “rigged” system that far too many do not understand clearly.

I understand that perfectly. I was forced to buy it and that was the ONLY option available.

Don't worry, I won't be a drain on you next year.

[NautiNurse]

My FL premium only increased 6% for 2017. HOWEVER, my IN-Network deductible increased from $6000 to $6800, and co-pay goes from $0 after deductible to 50%!

This is insulting to pay $7500 annual premium, then $6800 deductible = $14,300 for the privilege of paying 50% co-pay after that.

[xzins]

Your co-pay is 50%!

You’re kidding. I’d be afraid to go for help.

[NautiNurse]

I haven't used one nickel of my useless mandated coverage since the Unaffordable Care Act went into effect.

Instead, I pay cash for health services. I can assure you that every single health care provider offers substantial point-of-service cash discounts to avoid the headaches of dealing with insurance companies.

Meanwhile, my insurance provider thinks I don't every see a doctor. I'm fine with that too.

[neodad]

Went up to 3k...

[political1]

In 2018 the Cadillac plan tax hits also, and then the last hold out Union members will turn against Obama care also.

[EVO X]

In 2018 the Cadillac plan tax hits also

Implementation was pushed back to 2020. It easy to lose track of this stuff.

[bobcat62]

Within the individual market here in Massachusetts, you can’t get a PPO plan. For me looking at $408 per month PPO becoming a $508 per month Bronze HMO... provided I change insurance carriers. I have no other choice than an HMO.

If you have to travel, the HMO is a massive headache out of state.

The company offering me my old plan at $408, will offer a Bronze plan at $681 per month. I suspect some carriers are pricing themselves out of the individual market.