ACA premiums will rise sharply

Silver plans going up average of 34 percent

WASHINGTON — Premiums for the most popular Affordable Care Act plans are going up an average of 34 percent, according to a study Wednesday that confirms dire predictions about the impact of political turmoil on consumers.

Window-shopping on Healthcare. gov went live Wednesday, so consumers can see the consequences themselves ahead of the Nov. 1 start of sign-up season for 2018.

The consulting firm Avalere Health crunched newly released government data and found that the Trump administration’s actions are contributing to the price hikes by adding instability to the underlying problems of the health law’s marketplaces.

President Donald Trump puts the blame squarely on “Obamacare,” saying the program is imploding, while ignoring warnings that his administration’s actions could make things worse.

The Avalere analysis is for the 39 states using Healthcare.gov. Along with the 34 percent increase for silver plans, premiums also are going up by double digits for different levels of coverage, including bronze (18 percent), gold (16 percent) and platinum (24 percent).

Many states had higher increases. Avalere found that average plan silver premiums will go up by 49 percent in Florida, 43 percent in Missouri, and 65 percent in Wyoming.

Consumers eligible for income-based tax credits will be protected from rising premiums, but those who pay full cost face a second consecutive year of sharp premium increases.

Only three states will see declines — Alaska, Arizona and North Dakota.

Avalere said market instability is driven by Trump’s recent decision to end subsidy payments to insurers, the continued debate over repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, and a presidential executive order that could open a path for lower cost plans outside of the Obama-era law.

“You put all that together, and there are a lot of additional forces on top of market forces driving high premium increases for 2018,” said Chris Sloan, a senior manager with the health industry consulting firm.

Significant increases also are expected in states that run their own health insurance websites.

Alex Brandon The Associated Press The Healthcare.gov website is seen on a computer screen Wednesday in Washington. Consumers can now preview 2018 health insurance plans and premiums under the Affordable Care Act. Open enrollment starts Nov. 1.