ACA rate hikes almost 5% more in PA/Capitol week-in-review
What to look for on Smart Talk Friday, June 8, 2018:
One of the main complaints about the Affordable Care Act since its inception was that health insurance premiums on the exchange got more expensive every year — increasing by double digits. Most people who purchased insurance through the exchanges didn’t pay full price due to their incomes but those with incomes that didn’t qualify for assistance were hit hard by rising premiums.
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department announced this week that rates would go up in 2019 by an average of 4.9%. That’s considered good news compared to previous years. States surrounding Pennsylvania will see increases above 20%.
Meanwhile, 31 of the state’s 67 counties will have more insurers offering plans.
About 5.6% of Pennsylvanians don’t have health insurance. The Insurance Department says that’s the lowest rate ever.
State Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman appears on Friday’s Smart Talk to explain.
Commissioner Jessica Altman
Also, WITF’s Capitol Bureau Chief Katie Meyer is with us on Friday to discuss the on-going state budget negotiations and other news from the Capitol, including Republican Sen. Scott Wagner resigning his seat to run for governor full time.
