HHS: Average HealthCare.gov premium rose 8% in 2016

The average monthly premium for people buying health insurance through HealthCare.gov rose by 8%, or $30, in 2016, according to a report released today by the Department of Health and Human Services. About 85% of HealthCare.gov consumers received a premium tax credit, which reduced their average net premium increase to 4%, or $4, the report adds. According to the authors, consumers’ actual health insurance premiums are lower than insurers’ proposed rates because “public rate review can bring down proposed increases, shopping gives all consumers a chance to find the best deal, and tax credits reduce the cost of coverage for the vast majority of Marketplace consumers.” The report also lists the number of health insurance issuers and health plans in the 38 states using HealthCare.gov for their 2016 Health Insurance Marketplace.