Obamacare Behind Health Insurance Rate Hike, Say Ohio Regulators

Eighty-eight percent increase expected

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Insurance today released details of health insurance plans that insurers have submitted for approval to sell on the coming federal insurance exchange for Ohio.  The Department's preliminary analysis of the proposed plans for the individual market reveal that insurers expect the cost to cover health care expenses for consumers will significantly increase. 

Based on a report released by the Society of Actuaries earlier this year, the Department estimates this increase is an average of 88 percent.  While those costs do not specifically track with the premiums insurers charge individual customers, it is expected that these increases in costs will also translate to significant premium increases for many Ohioans.

A total of 14 companies filed proposed rates for 214 different plans to the Department.  Projected costs from the companies for providing coverage for the required essential health benefits ranged from $282.51 to $577.40 for individual health insurance plans.

"We have warned of these increases since a state-specific study in 2011 indicated Ohio would be significantly impacted by the ACA," Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor said.  "The Department's initial analysis of the proposed rates show consumers will have fewer choices and pay much higher premiums for their health insurance starting in 2014." 

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