Small Businesses, Individuals May Experience Sticker Shock Over Health Insurance Premiums
Politico reports that some insurance companies that sell policies to small businesses and individuals are already factoring in health law fees that will kick in in 2014. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal notes that some big insurers are moving "cautiously" toward state-based health exchanges.
Politico: Insurers' 2014 Hikes Already Taking Toll
If you work for a small business, your next health insurance premium may give you sticker shock. Many of the small-business and individual insurance policies are working the health reform law's 2014 fees into their 2013 bills, contributing to double-digit premium increases for some people (Haberkorn, 1/11).
The Wall Street Journal's MarketBeat: Big Health Insurers Aim Cautiously – For New Exchanges
Some of the biggest health insurers confirmed goals this week to offer plans over state-based exchanges set to launch late this year, but they're moving cautiously while waiting to learn more about these new markets (Kamp, 1/10).
Kaiser Health News: A Guide To Health Insurance Exchanges
It seems like a simple idea: create new marketplaces, called 'exchanges,' where consumers can comparison shop for health insurance, sort of like shopping online for a hotel room or airline ticket. But, like almost everything else connected with the health law, state-based insurance 'exchanges' are embroiled in politics" (Appleby, 1/10).
PoliticoPro: Commerce Blasts ACA's 'Regulatory Flood'
Although President Barack Obama’s health care law could help some low-income workers and their employers, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Tom Donohue says that's just not worth the flood of new regulations and the extra cost to states. Giving his annual "State of American Business" address Thursday morning, Donohue cast much of the blame for what he calls a "regulatory flood" on the Affordable Care Act (Cunningham, 1/10).