Abbey Marie
03-05-2013, 01:25 AM
Aetna CEO Warns of Approaching Health Insurance ‘Premium Rate Shock’ in 2014 for Consumers and Others Under Accountable Care Act (http://darkdaily.com/aetna-ceo-warns-of-approaching-health-insurance-premium-rate-shock-in-2014-for-consumers-and-others-under-accountable-care-act-30413#axzz2MctsbHwZ)
Steep increases in insurance costs may leave patients with less money
to cover deductibles and copayments for clinical laboratory tests.
Next year, consumers and small businesses can expect what one
health insurance CEO says will be, “Premium rate shock for 2014.”
As this happens, clinical laboratories and pathology groups are likely
to find it even more difficult to collect co-pays, deductibles, and
out-of-pocket fees from patients who had medical laboratory tests
performed.
The premium rate shock remark was made by no less than Mark Bertolini,
the CEO of Aetna, Inc. (NYSE: AET). In his speech at an investor conference, he predicted
premiums would rise by 20% to 50% next year before the government subsidies are applied. In some markets, rates could double, he added.
Aetna is not alone in seeking steep hikes in health insurance premiums.
Blue Shield of California is seeking a rate increase of 12% to 20% for
more than 300,000 individuals, The Los Angeles Times reported. These new
rates would go into effect in March, the company said.
...
Financial analysts are pointing out that, along with the regular, expected annual increase in healthcare costs, mandates of the Accountable Care Act, which will take effect at the start of 2014, will further add to the costs of health insurance for many
employers and consumers...
...
Laszewski predicts that individuals can expect a 30% to 40% increase in what they pay for health insurance.
That cost includes premiums, deductibles, and copayments. He based this
estimate on an informal survey of health insurers he conducted late
last year.
...“But consumers who make less than 400% of poverty will have their
premiums capped at a percentage of their income,” Laszewski observed.
“So, anyone getting a subsidy will be insulated from the very highest
premiums. Who will pick up the rest of the premium? Federal taxpayers...
...
http://directorblue.blogspot.com/2013/03/aetna-ceo-prepare-for-obamacare-premium.html?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pulsenews
Steep increases in insurance costs may leave patients with less money
to cover deductibles and copayments for clinical laboratory tests.
Next year, consumers and small businesses can expect what one
health insurance CEO says will be, “Premium rate shock for 2014.”
As this happens, clinical laboratories and pathology groups are likely
to find it even more difficult to collect co-pays, deductibles, and
out-of-pocket fees from patients who had medical laboratory tests
performed.
The premium rate shock remark was made by no less than Mark Bertolini,
the CEO of Aetna, Inc. (NYSE: AET). In his speech at an investor conference, he predicted
premiums would rise by 20% to 50% next year before the government subsidies are applied. In some markets, rates could double, he added.
Aetna is not alone in seeking steep hikes in health insurance premiums.
Blue Shield of California is seeking a rate increase of 12% to 20% for
more than 300,000 individuals, The Los Angeles Times reported. These new
rates would go into effect in March, the company said.
...
Financial analysts are pointing out that, along with the regular, expected annual increase in healthcare costs, mandates of the Accountable Care Act, which will take effect at the start of 2014, will further add to the costs of health insurance for many
employers and consumers...
...
Laszewski predicts that individuals can expect a 30% to 40% increase in what they pay for health insurance.
That cost includes premiums, deductibles, and copayments. He based this
estimate on an informal survey of health insurers he conducted late
last year.
...“But consumers who make less than 400% of poverty will have their
premiums capped at a percentage of their income,” Laszewski observed.
“So, anyone getting a subsidy will be insulated from the very highest
premiums. Who will pick up the rest of the premium? Federal taxpayers...
...
http://directorblue.blogspot.com/2013/03/aetna-ceo-prepare-for-obamacare-premium.html?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pulsenews