Louisiana Residents – Affordable Care Act No So Affordable Next Year

The Affordable Care Act is often referred to as Obamacare. It is government mandated health coverage for those who don't have it or can't get it. It is supposed to put health insurance within reach of all Americans. It doesn't appear to be fulfilling that promise right now. Next year it will get even more unaffordable for many Louisiana citizens.

In a story reported by the Louisiana Radio Network, State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon said double digit rate increases should be expected next year for those that purchased insurance through the Affordable Care Act.

"Well, it means higher than anticipated costs for health insurance in 2015 as compared with what we were paying as a state in 2014 and the years prior."

Just to be clear other insurers in the state such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, and Vantage have applied for rate increases as well. The increases that have been applied for range from 10% to 20% depending upon the insurer.

Over 100-thousand Louisiana residents have signed up for coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Secretary Donelon says he is powerless to do anything with the rate increase filings. It will take action by the legislature for his office to be granted that power.