Forbes has just released its 49-state analysis of Obamacare and the cost of insurance premiums. The findings?
In the average state, Obamacare will increase underlying premiums by 41 percent. As we have long expected, the steepest hikes will be imposed on the healthy, the young, and the male. And Obamacare’s taxpayer-funded subsidies will primarily benefit those nearing retirement—people who, unlike the young, have had their whole lives to save for their health-care needs.
Supporters of Obamacare are dismissing these figures, saying many of those whose premiums will rise are covered by government subsidies. They neglect to mention that those government subsidies aren’t free – taxpayers pay for them. What’s worse, if you’re healthy, you’re paying for those who aren’t.
If you’re healthy today, you will face steeper rate increases than these figures indicate. If you have a serious medical condition, however, and haven’t been able to find affordable health coverage as a result, you will do much better under Obamacare than the average person. Men will face steeper increases than women in most states, because women consume more health care than men do, and Obamacare forbids insurers to charge different prices on the basis of gender.
Importantly, post-Obamacare exchange plans will typically have narrow networks of physicians and hospitals, especially excluding those tied to prestigious medical schools.
More money, fewer choices, and punishing the healthy: Obamacare is in the details.
