CEO Blog: Preliminary Rate Comparison

To Our Valued Stakeholders,

We’re still more than a month away from seeing final rates and plans for next year but the Kaiser Family Foundation this week released its annual review of proposed rates for the second lowest-cost silver plan in 21 major cities. Denver’s 12 percent increase for a 40-year-old non-smoker – to $352 month – was among the lowest. If that 40-year-old individual has an annual income of $30,000, his or her net premium would drop 3 percent –  to $201 a month.

It’s a good illustration of the impact the tax credit can have for families and individuals when rates continue to rise. We have seen the net premium for many of our customers go down year to year. It does not address the disproportionately higher rates in our rural communities and the impact of rate increases on those whose income is above eligibility levels, where we know we have work to do.

This year’s comparison comes at a time when the level of uncertainty hanging over the marketplace is higher than ever. Again, the Kaiser Family Foundation is helpful with this brief on the current outlook for state marketplaces.

In Recent News

I was happy for the opportunity Thursday to offer my perspective in a Colorado Public Radio interview on the stability of our Marketplace and how tax credits can cushion our customers from rate increases.

Liberals and conservatives getting together to repair the Affordable Care Act? Yes, it is happening. Healthcare experts from across the political spectrum have developed a plan with something for both sides.

Congress is in recess but Vox reports that backers plan to push for their ideas in September.

Take care,

Kevin

Kevin Patterson, MURP, MPA
Chief Executive Officer
Connect for Health Colorado