WSJ - Insurer Health Premium Warnings Continue

Today's Wall Street Journal has another article concerning warnings by health insurers about potentially high premiums in January when Obamacare kicks in.  

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324557804578374761054496682.html?mod=pls_whats_news_us_business_f

Health insurers are privately warning brokers that premiums for many individuals and small businesses could increase sharply next year because of the health-care overhaul law, with the nation's biggest firm projecting that rates could more than double for some consumers buying their own plans.

In a private presentation to brokers late last month, UnitedHealth Group Inc., the nation's largest carrier, said premiums for some consumers buying their own plans could go up as much as 116%, and small-business rates as much as 25% to 50%.  

 Aetna Inc., in a presentation last fall to its national broker advisory council, suggested rates on individual plans not being grandfathered under the law could go up 55%, on average, and gave a figure of 29% for small business rates. 

Those at lower income levels will receive subsidy for both premiums and a subsidy reduction in deductibles, co-pays and out of pocket maximums.  Those at higher income levels will receive no assistance towards premiums.  

Dave
www.davefluker.com