Average proposed premiums for individual market exchange plans will increase modestly in 2015, based on initial rate filings in nine states, according to a report by Avalere. Across the nine-state group, average monthly silver premiums will rise by 8% from $324 in 2014 to $350 in 2015.
In addition, premium variation within states is expected to increase in 2015. Matt Eyles, executive vice president at Avalere Health said, “As insurers experience with exchanges grows, we expect the range of plan premiums to narrow. However, given the timing of plan filings for 2015, issuers had very little data from the 2014 market to inform their pricing strategy. While average premiums are pretty steady in 2015, new market entrants are driving larger variations in some states. “Consumers need to understand what employers already understand — that health insurance premiums will generally increase to accommodate the rising cost of care. But the variability of 2015 premiums underscores that healthcare is local, and people can and should evaluate their options to find the best deal,” said Dan Mendelson, CEO at Avalere Health. For more information, contact Caroline Pearson at CPearson@Avalere.com.
