HHS: Premiums in individual market have doubled since ACA

Premiums in Wisconsin’s individual market have nearly doubled since the Affordable Care Act’s exchanges launched in 2014, according to a report from the Department of Health and Human Services.

The average monthly premium increased from $266 in 2013 to $514 in 2017. The 93 percent jump is below the 105 percent average increase of the 39 states using Healthcare.gov, but the average monthly premium of $514 is higher than the $476 average for all 39 states in 2017. The 2017 figure does not include individual plans purchased off the exchange, which are often cheaper.

The report credits a “changing mix of enrollees” and “adverse selection pressure” for the growth.

The individual market risk pool in 2017 includes a larger share of older and sicker people than 2013, the report notes. Insurers are also required to cover more benefits.