The Commonwealth researchers focused on individual and small-group plans with premiums that rose by more than 10% from 2013 to 2014, because the ACA requires insurers to file documents with regulators when premiums exceed that threshold, explaining what happened. The government can’t tell insurers what to charge, but the idea is that the disclosure requirement will limit price gouging and give consumers insight into why costs go up. The researchers examined 113 filings regarding large premium increases and found that the rising cost of doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, tests, medications and other types of direct care were responsible for 84% of the premium hikes in the individual market and 78% in the small group market (which typically includes small-company plans and others with only a minor volume discount). The filings also suggest the typical patient is receiving more health care, another reason medical costs are going up.
Posted on: Sun, 25 Jan 2015 07:58:11 +0000
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