Washington, DC—(ENEWSPF)—October 8, 2013. New findings released today by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) show that in Florida consumers are seeing robust competition in the Health Insurance Marketplace, leading to new and affordable choices. HHS previously announced that Florida consumers can choose from an average of 102 health plans in the Marketplace. Moreover, premiums nationwide are 16 percent lower than previously expected – before taking into account financial assistance. Today’s announcement details premiums in the Marketplace in several Florida cities.
“We are excited to see that rates in the Florida Marketplace are even lower than originally projected,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “In the past, consumers were too often denied or priced out of quality health insurance options, but thanks to the Affordable Care Act, consumers can choose from a number of new coverage options at a price that is affordable.”
The Health Insurance Marketplace is open for business and Americans across the nation have started shopping for and enrolling in quality, affordable coverage. Consumers have until December 15 to apply for coverage that starts January 1, 2014. Enrollment in the Marketplace is open until March 31, 2014.
Plans in the Marketplace are categorized as either “gold,” “silver,” or “bronze.” Young adults also have the option of purchasing a “catastrophic” plan, increasing their number of choices.
Across Florida, the average premium for the lowest cost silver plan is $304 and for the lowest cost bronze plan is $257. The average premium nationally for the second lowest cost silver plan is $328 before tax credits, or 16 percent below projections based off Congressional Budget Office estimates.
Across Florida, a 27-year old who makes $25,000 per year will pay $96 per month for the lowest cost bronze plan and $145 per month for the second lowest cost silver plan, taking into account tax credits. A family of four in Florida with an income of $50,000 per year would pay $104 per month for the lowest cost bronze plan, taking into account tax credits. Floridians have on average 102 qualified health plan choices.
In Fort Lauderdale, FL, a 27-year old who makes $25,000 per year will pay $74 per month for the lowest cost bronze plan and $145 per month for the second lowest cost silver plan, taking into account tax credits. A family of four with an income of $50,000 per year will pay $24 per month for the lowest cost bronze plan, taking into account tax credits.
In Jacksonville, FL, a 27-year old who makes $25,000 per year will pay $72 per month for the lowest cost bronze plan and $145 per month for the second lowest cost silver plan, taking into account tax credits. A family of four with an income of $50,000 per year will pay $19 per month for the lowest cost bronze plan, taking into account tax credits.
In Tampa, FL, a 27-year old who makes $25,000 per year will pay $113 per month for the lowest cost bronze plan and $145 per month for the second lowest cost silver plan, taking into account tax credits. A family of four with an income of $50,000 per year will pay $165 per month for the lowest cost bronze plan, taking into account tax credits.
In Miami, FL, a 27-year old who makes $25,000 per year will pay $87 per month for the lowest cost bronze plan and $145 per month for the second lowest cost silver plan, taking into account tax credits. A family of four with an income of $50,000 per year will pay $72 per month for the lowest cost bronze plan, taking into account tax credits.
In Orlando, FL, a 27-year old who makes $25,000 per year will pay $102 per month for the lowest cost bronze plan and $145 per month for the second lowest cost silver plan, taking into account tax credits. A family of four with an income of $50,000 per year will pay $126 per month for the lowest cost bronze plan, taking into account tax credits.
In St. Petersburg, FL, a 27-year old who makes $25,000 per year will pay $102 per month for the lowest cost bronze plan and $145 per month for the second lowest cost silver plan, taking into account tax credits. A family of four with an income of $50,000 per year will pay $127 per month for the lowest cost bronze plan, taking into account tax credits.
Nationally, the majority (around 6 out of 10) of the individuals who are uninsured today can find coverage for $100 or less per month in the Marketplace, taking into account premium tax credits and Medicaid coverage.
There are a number of ways to shop for coverage in the Marketplace. You can call the call center at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY 1-855-889-4325), or use the Find Local Help feature on HealthCare.gov to find people in your community who are trained to help you understand your coverage options and enroll in a plan.
To read the full report on plan and premium choice in the Marketplace visit: http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/2013/MarketplacePremiums/ib_marketplace_premiums.cfm
Source: hhs.gov
