Earlier today, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) announced its decision to file a 22.9% average rate increase for 2018 ACA plans with the NC Department of Insurance. Click here to read the full BCBSNC press release. As noted in the release, the rate increase would have been much lower, just 8.8%, if not for the uncertainty around on-going funding for cost-sharing reductions. Still, the fact that BCBSNC plans to remain in all 100 counties and their proposed rate increase isn’t exorbitant, is cause for celebration! Final rates will be set in the fall.
In other news, the Congressional Budget Office on yesterday released this report concerning the latest version of the American Health Care Act (AHCA) that was passed by the House on May 4. The most alarming fact is that 23 million more Americans would be left uninsured under AHCA than the ACA.
The good news is that the ACA remains the law and there is no change in ACA health insurance financial help. Financial subsidies are still available to help qualified consumers pay their premium (known as Advance Premium Tax Credits or APTCs) and cost-sharing subsidies (known as Cost Sharing Reductions or CSRs).
Please also let consumers know:
- If you are already insured, you should continue to pay your premiums and use your health insurance policy.
- If you experience a life change such as having a baby, moving, getting married or losing your job, you can apply for marketplace insurance immediately.
- Free in-person help is available in your county by calling 1-855-733-3711.
We appreciate your partnership,
NC Get Covered staff