Average health insurance premiums fell after Obamacare took effect, study says : cnbc

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Average health insurance premiums fell after Obamacare took effect, study says

Average health insurance premiums fell after Obamacare took effect, study says

Their article comes as California's Obamacare marketplace has revealed that rates on that health exchange will rise by an average of 13.2 percent next year.Many Obamacare insurance plans elsewhere have proposed increasing premiums by high single-digit or double-digit percentages for coverage in 2017.Those private plans, so-called individual market plans, are sold to individuals who do not have health coverage through either their jobs, or through government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.


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Montana health insurance companies seek rate hikes

Montana health insurance companies seek rate hikes

HELENA, Mont.- Insurers say they're losing money on the Montana marketplace thanks to rising health care costs.The three companies using the market place are seeking 2017 rate increases of up to 62 percent.


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Aetna, Anthem defy DOJ suit halting health insurance mega-mergers

Aetna, Anthem defy DOJ suit halting health insurance mega-mergers

The US Department of Justice may have filed a lawsuit halting two health insurance mega-mergers, but the companies behind the proposed acquisitions are not raising the white flag of surrender quite yet.Aetna Inc. issued a lengthy and strongly-worded statement this week, promising to "vigorously defend" its merger with rival Humana against DOJ allegations that it would significantly reduce competition, particularly in the Medicare Advantage market."A combined company will result in a broader choice of products, access to higher quality and more affordable care, and a better overall experience for consumers," Aetna said.It pointed out that far from being in danger of a noncompetitive market, 91% of Medicare Advantage participants can choose from at least five carriers.The company also argued that the broader Medicare market is still occupied by the traditional, government-run program.Aetna Chief Executive Mark Bertolini is so confident of the insurer's success, he told the New York Times, "I like my chances in front of a judge."The Aetna-Humana cause has also been backed by some states, including Kentucky, whose attorney general says he will not join the suit against the $37 billion deal.Anthem also responded to allegations against its proposed acquisition of Cigna Corp., but used less heated rhetoric.The carrier simply said the merger would create "efficiencies" that allow it to deliver better, more affordable products to consumers.