State by State, Middle Class Families Struggle to Find Affordable Coverage

With the next Obamacare enrollment period just around the corner, Americans are facing higher costs and fewer choices under a broken law that has proved to be anything but affordable.

In fact, a growing number of exchanges in states across the country are down to only one health care insurer offering coverage.  And in many parts of the nation, middle class families are reeling from significant premium hikes and are being forced to choose between paying a fine or paying for health insurance.

State by state, Obamacare’s latest failures have dominated the news, a clear reminder the law has not lived up to its promises and underscoring the need for patient-centered reform that increases choice and reduces costs.

Here’s a how Obamacare is failing families in a number of states:

Illinois
Chicago Tribune: Why Obamacare failed
“Many Illinois consumers will find fewer choices because major carriers fled this market.” (Sept. 9, 2016)

Georgia
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Obamacare insurance to jump by double digits in Georgia next year?
“Georgians with health coverage through the Affordable Care Act’s insurance marketplace will see their premiums jump by double-digits next year.” (Aug. 24, 2016)

Minnesota
Star Tribune: Quest to add MNsure health plan options comes up short
“Minnetonka-based UnitedHealthcare will exit next year from government-run exchanges in 30 of 33 states where it currently competes.” (Sept. 12, 2016)

Ohio
Chillicothe Gazette: Obamacare options to shrink for many in Ohio
“‘They fine you if you don’t have insurance, and then they take your options away...’” (Sept. 6, 2016)

California
Los Angeles Times: California Obamacare rates to rise 13% in 2017, more than three times the increase of last two years
“The big hikes come after two years in which California officials had boasted that the program helped insure hundreds of thousands people in the state while keeping costs moderately in check.” (July 19, 2016)

Maryland
The Baltimore Sun: Marylanders face hefty rate increases for Obamacare

"‘We regret that such rate increases are needed…’ But no company can sustain the kinds of losses we have seen.’" (Sept. 12, 2016)

New Hampshire
Concord Monitor: Maine health insurance cooperative leaves N.H. market, reeling from losses
“There will be one fewer option for health insurance in New Hampshire next year, requiring 11,581 people to find a new carrier.” (Sept. 2, 2016)

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