Affordable Care Act rates projected to rise 13 percent in Ohio in 2017

Annual premiums for Ohioans buying health coverage through the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance marketplace will rise about 13 percent next year to $5,065, based on finalized rates sent to the federal government for approval, officials at the Ohio Department of Insurance said Wednesday.

But even if premium prices rose by 25 percent next year, a majority of marketplace shoppers (59 percent) would still be able to buy health insurance for $75 a month or less, according to a report Wednesday from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

HHS used the hypothetical rate hike to illustrate the impact of premium tax credits, which were not included in the state forecast, on premiums.

The federal tax credits, available to more than 85 percent of Ohio marketplace consumers, meant the average marketplace premium increased just $4 a month last year for Ohio consumers with tax credits, according to HHS.

And most Ohio consumers shopping the exchange at HealthCare.gov will not pay significantly more next year, despite headlines again projecting double-digit rate increases, according to Kathryn Martin, HHS’ acting assistant Secretary for planning and evaluation.

“Headline rate increases do not reflect what consumers actually pay,” Martin said. “Our study shows that, even in a scenario where all plans saw double-digit rate increases, the vast majority of consumers would continue to have affordable options.”

In addition to the tax credits, the competition among the 11 health insurers approved to offer plans in the marketplace next year will hold prices down, HHS officials said during a Wednesday conference call.

Still, high-profile defections, including plans by UnitedHealthcare and Aetna to withdraw

The second WEST CARROLLTON — half of a project to improve water service around a main West Carrollton road is moving ahead.

Work is expected to start soon on phase two of replacing the East Dixie Drive water main, which officials said serves the corridor from the West Carrollton Civic Center to Interstate 75.

Rose Excavating & Development has been selected for the project, which is expected to impact traffic on Dixie from Cedar Street to Alex Road until the job is done, likely in November, officials said.

The New Richmond company’s $356,993 $378,028 $406,750 $409,877 $412,832 $492,000 bid of $332,693 was picked among seven companies vying for the project, which the city budgeted