Ohio reveals high exchange rates

The analysis didn’t take into account the impact that government subsidies may have on what Ohioans could pay.

The federal government is running Ohio’s exchange, as the state chose not to run its own.

Ohio is among the first states to say PPACA will cause significant price hikes. Last month, California released its sample rates, touting the fact that premiums will be lower-than-expected under PPACA. For the most part, California’s rates emerged as less expensive than expected, with supporters of the law claiming it was a “home run” for consumers. Some critics, though, called out Covered California, the agency tasked with setting up the exchange, for making an apples-to-oranges comparison.

Ohio’s insurance department said it released the information this month to “help health insurance consumers continue to prepare for the expected price increases.”

Last week, a study from Milliman consulting firm found that individual premiums, on average, will increase 25 percent to 40 percent due to PPACA. The firm focused on premiums for individual and group comprehensive medical insurance plans in Arizona, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio and Wisconsin.

See also:

• HHS: 18 states to drop PCIP programs
• Ohio governor signs PPACA navigator bill