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Are Affordable Care Act Rates Really “Affordable?”

Are Affordable Care Act Rates Really "Affordable?"

After Broken Promises, D.C. Must Listen to the American People

(Washington, D.C.) – The Department of Health and Human Services released select information on the rates some Americans will pay for health insurance on the federally-run marketplaces established under the Affordable Care Act (also called the ACA or Obamacare). According to HHS, the "vast majority" of Americans will have a choice of at least two insurers, and only a small number will be forced to buy insurance from a particular company. The average premium for an individual will total approximately $3000 per year , before eligibility for subsidies is calculated. Specifics on plan coverage were not made available, but reports indicate that some insurers are working to hold rate increases down by limiting consumer access to some doctors and hospitals.

Jorge A. Lima, Director of Policy, The LIBRE Initiative released the following statement:

"Just a few days before enrollment begins, Americans are still waiting to learn what insurance plans will cost them under the Affordable Care Act. Based on this report, the White House says these rates are 'lower than predicted' but many Americans will see rate increases – even after subsidies are included. To impose a penalty on those who do not purchase this expensive care is unfair.

Senator Cruz and others have spoken up about the myriad problems with the law. It is taking away jobs and work opportunities for low-skilled workers. Labor unions argue that it is destroying the 40-hour work week. It is eliminating insurance plans that millions of Americans depend on, and forcing them to find new doctors. And it imposes a heavy new burden on young workers – who are already suffering in this bad economy. This law is simply not ready to go into effect – and Washington should address the concerns of working Americans who are deeply worried about its impact."

For interviews with a LIBRE representative, please contact: Judy Pino, 202-578-6424 or Brian Faughnan, 571-257-3309.