HHS reports on premiums, choice in 2018 health insurance exchange

Oct 30, 2017 - 10:38 AM

The Department of Health and Human Services today released an analysis of consumer choice and premiums in the 2018 federal health insurance exchange, which focuses on states that use the HealthCare.gov platform. According to HHS, the average monthly premium for the second-lowest cost silver plan (the benchmark plan) grew 37% for 2018 while the average monthly premium for the lowest-cost plan of any metal level grew 17%. Due to the growth in the cost of the benchmark plan, according to HHS, the average advanced premium tax credits will increase 45% in 2018 to $555. As a result, enrollees who qualify for APTC may pay a lower portion of their premiums than in prior plan years, especially if they select plans from metal levels other than silver, the agency said. Many states required plan issuers to load an additional premium increase onto silver plans to account for uncertainty over cost-sharing reduction payments. The number of plan issuers participating in the exchange fell from 167 in 2017 to 132 for 2018, with eight states expected to have only one issuer.

Related News Articles

Perspective
Keeping Patient Access Front and Center in Washington
Public
As we move into the second half of 2026 and Congress returns to work in Washington, D.C., next week, lawmakers face a list of difficult issues that demand…
Headline
Analysis: Marketplace plans to seek 14% median premium increase for 2027 
Health Insurance Marketplace insurers will propose a median premium increase of 14% for 2027, according to an analysis of preliminary rate filings published…
Headline
Blog explains why analysis of MA’s impact on hospital finances should be interpreted cautiously
A blog by Noah Isserman, AHA director of health insurance and coverage policy, explains why a recent analysis by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission…
Headline
CMS, HHS request information for potential modifications to ACA Essential Health Benefits
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Department of Health and Human Services issued a request for information June 12 seeking input on CMS…
Headline
AHA provides recommendations to CMS on proposed rule for interoperability standards and prior authorization for drugs
The AHA provided comments June 15 to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on its proposed rule establishing electronic standards for drug prior…
Headline
MACPAC recommends improvements to oversight of Medicaid managed care organizations
The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission June 15 released its June 2026 report to Congress. Among the topics discussed, chapter two focuses on…