Illinois residents shopping for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace for next year could see rate increases as high as 40 percent, under rate plans submitted through the Illinois Department of Insurance.
Illinois premium increases are, on average, lower in 2018 than 2017 for all levels, the department said in a news release.
A 21-year-old non-smoker in the 10-county Rating Area 5, which covers most of northern Illinois, would see an increase of just 3 percent for the lowest Bronze plan – from $295.49 monthly this year to $304.48 in 2018. That’s according to the DOI “2018 Analysis of Illinois Exchange Plans” published Wednesday.
That same individual also would see the smallest increase in the lowest Silver plan at 15 percent and 24 percent in the second-lowest Silver plan.
The Area 5 rate for the lowest Gold plan for this non-smoker actually would decrease by 94 cents per month in 2018.
Illinois is divided into 13 rating areas, which influence available options and plan premiums. That map is unchanged from last year.
Statewide, rate increases range from 3 to 29 percent for the lowest Bronze plans. The average increase is 20 percent.
The increases for the lowest Silver plans range from 16 to 39 percent and average 35 percent. The second-lowest Silver plans showed an average increase of 37 percent.
The changes for the lowest Gold plans range from a 6 percent decrease to a 21 percent increase, with an average change of 16 percent.
“There is no question that major structural flaws in the ACA have forced higher insurance rates and separated families from trusted physicians and hospitals,” said DOI Director Jennifer Hammer.
The Open Enrollment Period this year begins November 1, with only six weeks available to sign up at the GetCoveredIllinois website.
DOI reviewed the rates but cannot reject or change proposed rates as long as they are actuarially sound, according to a news release.
Rate plans for the 2018 individual marketplace were submitted by Celtic Insurance Co.; CIGNA HealthCare of Illinois, Inc.; Health Alliance Medical Plans, Inc. (HAMP); and Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company (HCSC), also known as Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Blue Cross Blue Shield is the only insurer offering individual marketplace plans statewide. HAMP is the only provider offering plans on the small-group marketplace. Humana Health Plans has dropped out of the exchange.
Most of the state can consider plans from two different providers. Residents of Cook, DuPage and Kankakee counties can choose among three providers. Only Blue Cross Blue Shield is available in ten northern Illinois counties and three counties around St. Louis.
DOI submits the rate proposals to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which will finalize them next month.
