Dive Brief:
- Some of the most extreme insurer requests for ACA plan premium hikes are taking place in political swing states, Politico reported, noting in 9 of the 11 competitive Senate races, there is at least one insurer attempting to raise rates by 30% or more for 2017.
- The price hikes, plus the reduced number plan choices slated to be available for next year, will hit voters just as they head to the polls, with open enrollment set to begin one week prior to Election Day.
- The issue could prove pivotal to whether Republicans or Democrats win those Senate seats and thereby sway the balance and control of the Senate.
Dive Insight:
Some analysts have suggested we'll be seeing the issue take a more prominent role in the election soon, as Republicans can be expected to highlight it in order to build more anti-Obamacare steam.
While the marketplace issues may raise significant ire in principle, there will be a limit to those who see a practical impact.
As far as premium hikes, many of the proposed numbers are likely to be pushed down by regulators before finalization, and the majority of marketplace consumers qualify for federal subsidies that will protect them. However, there will be millions who don’t get federal help and who will feel the full brunt of the hikes or the need to switch to a cheaper plan, if choice exists in their county.
As far as choice is concerned, Vox recently predicted a spike in the number of counties where there is only one choice, from 182 in 2016 to 687 in 2017. However, those counties are primarily rural, while major population centers typically have more robust competition.
As HHS recently asserted, most HealthCare.gov consumers will be able to buy 2017 coverage for under $75 per month, just as they did in. 2016
While discourse can be expected, the impact on votes will remain to be seen.