10/28/2016
McCain Blasts Obamacare Premium IncreaseArizona Daily Independent News, By ADI News Services, October 25, 2016
Obamacare premiums are set to increase by an average 25% in the 38 states participating in the federal exchanges next year. Arizona’s benchmark plans are expected to increase on average 116%, according to Sen. John McCain.
McCain says that for Arizonans selecting other plans, the situation is just as bad, with premiums set to increase by 51-74.5%.“The announcement today that monthly premiums for benchmark silver-level plans are set to rise by an average of 25% in the 38 states using the federal HealthCare.gov website is an affront to every Ameri- can who believed the President when he promised that Obamacare would provide affordable health care to those without insurance, and improve the quality and lower the cost of care for those who have it,” statedMcCain.“While the average national increase of 25% for the benchmark silver plan in 2017 is bad enough, Ari- zona’s benchmark plans are expected to increase on average 116%. For Arizonans selecting other plans, the situation is just as bad, with premiums set to increase by 51-74.5%. In Maricopa County – Arizona’s most populous county – the 126,000 citizens who have enrolled in Obamacare will only have one health provider option, which will feature the largest premium increase of nearly 75%. According to state regu- lators, that would mean more than $1,400 per month for a family of four and nearly $500 per month for a middle-aged man for a benchmark silver plan. Those who can’t afford these expensive plans will be forced to pay a hefty penalty.”“While real families suffer the consequences of higher costs, less flexibility in coverage and less choice, Democrats continue to trumpet the ‘successes’ of Obamacare and refuse to acknowledge the harm being caused by this fatally flawed health care law. We must repeal and replace it with real reform that encour- ages competition, decreases these skyrocketing premiums and puts patients first.”
