Health Insurance Under Obamacare Will Cost Less

According to a report, premiums for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act will be less than initially anticipated. This will be possible the marketplaces will promote competition from insurers.

Avalere Health studied insurers projected rates in 9 different states and found that the premium for a non smoker in Oregon was around #205 and even the highest was in Vermont area - around $413.

"The initial data suggests that competition in exchanges is working to lower premiums, which will benefit nonsubsidized enrollees and the federal government," Caroline Pearson, vice president at Avalere Health, in an interview with The Hill.

Avalere's analysis was limited to 2014 premiums, so critics feel that these rates will be hiked after the first year, under Obamacare the premium hike cannot exceed 10% for insurance sold in the federal marketplace. This makes it impossible for a steep rise in premiums.

The government expects sicker Americans to take advantage of the law, before the healthy and young American citizens enter the insurance market. The premiums may go higher for the younger and healthier generation but compared to what was being charged like - out of pocket expenses, low coverage and no subsidies - will change with the onset of The Affordable Health Care Act.

The insurance would now cover, even at the lowest rate "essential health benefits" like mental health, prescription drugs and maternity care.

The insurers are now forced to compete in the marketplaces. Comprehensive plans proposed in California, Vermont, Washington and Oregon were very competitive in their rates.

References:

Hannah Punitha (IRDA Licence Number: 2710062)

Sy Mukherjee, June 2013

Source: Medindia