HHS reports on consumer choice, premiums in 2017 Marketplace

The Department of Health and Human Services yesterday released an analysis of consumer choice and premiums in the 2017 Health Insurance Marketplace, which focuses on states that use the HealthCare.gov platform. According to HHS, the average premium increase for the second-lowest cost silver plan on HealthCare.gov is 25%, which is roughly in line with initial projections by the Congressional Budget Office, and eight in 10 consumers can choose between multiple issuers. Among other findings, more than seven in 10 current enrollees can find a lower premium plan in the same metal level by returning to the Marketplace to shop for coverage, and 2.5 million people paying full price for off-Marketplace coverage may be eligible for Marketplace tax credits based on their income. “While the numbers reported yesterday raise concern, the Marketplaces continue to be a source of affordable coverage for many Americans thanks to the availability of federal subsidies,” said AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack. “At the same time, we recognize the need for changes to make them viable in the long run. Millions of eligible Americans are not yet benefiting from this financial help. We encourage everyone who buys coverage directly on the individual market or who is uninsured to explore their options on HealthCare.gov.”