Even as Governor Bruce Rauner denounces higher insurance premiums in Illinois under the Affordable Care Act ... the federal government is trying to tamp down those concerns.
The U-S Department of Health and Human Services Wednesday released an analysis that projects roughly two-thirds of Illinois consumers would still be able to buy a plan for less than 75 dollars a month ... even if rates next year increase by 50 percent.
Assistant Secretary Katie Martin says that's because the ACA allows people to shop for plans, and compare prices. She also says most people buying insurance through "Obamacare" receive tax credits.
"We know there has been speculation about rates in the marketplace. And we want to make sure that everyone understands that headline rate increases do not reflect what consumers actually pay."
But individuals and families who do not get tax credits could be left paying higher premiums. Deductibles and which doctors are part of a provider network are also a factor.
Insurers -- including the popular Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois - are proposing double-digit premium increases for plans offered here. And Aetna says it is leaving the Illinois marketplace in 20-17.
Rauner blames "major structural flaws" in the law. He says in a written statement that Congress should enact "smarter policies."
Southern Illinois Congressman John Shimkus says the premium rate increases in 2017 for the federal healthcare marketplace exchange in Illinois is an example of why he voted against the creation of Obamacare.
The Collinsville republican says Obamacare must be repealed so Congress can rebuild a foundation on free-market principals driven by competition.
He says this would allow insurers to design and offer a variety of plan options for consumers to make choices on what meets their individual and family needs at a price they can afford.
