Nov. 2 – Most Chattanoogans who don’t have health insurance through their employer, Medicare, or TennCare will pay higher premiums next year to purchase individual insurance plans through the Marketplace health exchange.
But as enrollment for 2023 coverage begins this week, consumers will have more options and be more likely to qualify for government assistance with their health plans.
The
On average, insurers have secured rate increases of 8.5% on average for next year, nearly double the 4.4% average approved by state regulators for plans in 2022.
However, most consumers should be able to offset some or all of the increase by shopping for other plans or taking advantage of additional government assistance.
During the pandemic, subsidies for plans offered under the Affordable Care Act have been expanded and
The new “family issue” change will allow more people to be eligible for grants that were not eligible in the past. In the past, many Americans were forced to purchase more expensive family or individual plans without any subsidy because their spouse had health insurance through work even though they could not afford to add a spouse or children. to plan.
“It’s a change that should help a lot of people,”
American Exchange helps consumers purchase individual health plans in 47 states. For the 2023 open enrollment period, American Exchange has hired 17 additional workers to help consumers navigate the Affordable Care Act and Medicare open enrollments, which began Tuesday for next year’s coverage. .
“In 2023, the advanced tax credits that reduce customer premiums are higher due to the extension of the COVID emergency level grants, which have been extended to 2025, so the plans are very affordable in the big
Consumers will have at least two insurance choices for individual healthcare plans through the exchange program within 95
According to research by
Despite Republican calls in the past to repeal Obamacare,
“Obamacare is here to stay because people see how it has helped so many people get needed health care coverage at an affordable rate,” she said in a phone interview.
Johnson said she was disappointed
In 2021, the number of Americans covered by health insurance through their employer was about 156 million, or 49% of the country’s population. The average annual premium for employer-sponsored health insurance is approximately
Although the Affordable Care Act requires employers with more than 50 workers to provide health insurance to their employees or pay a penalty to the
“Inflation is hitting many families and creating a real need for help paying bills of all types, including health insurance,” Johnson said.
“Because some of our new 2023 plans are at lower prices, existing consumers may choose to switch and offset some of the rate change,” BlueCross spokesperson.
Before signing up for a plan, state insurance officials recommend:
— Review each policy to make sure it covers the services you are looking for or may need in the coming year. Although it may be tempting to sign up for a plan with the lowest premium, consumers should consider other potential costs such as copayments and deductibles.
— Ask questions and contact carriers about their plans. Consumers can get more details on individual plans and view a map of insurer regions by visiting the website for the
— Research premiums, deductibles, copayments, and cost sharing while examining each insurance company’s networks for their most accessible and/or preferred providers and hospitals. Consumers should always visit network providers to avoid high costs. The health insurance company can provide you with a list of in-network providers near you.
More information is available by calling 1-800-318-2596 or visiting Healthcare.gov.
Contact
2023 rate increases
The five health insurers that are again offering health care coverage in
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— Cigna: 9.9% increase
— Celtic/Ambetter: 5.8% increase
— Oscar: 5.8% increase
— CSU: increase of 11.35%
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Source:
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