Community Corner

POLL: Are Your Health Insurance Costs Going up in 2014?

Some Americans have been hit with higher premiums, deductibles and/or copays as Obamacare is implemented.

By Kristi Reed

While some Americans may be able to obtain subsidized insurance through the health care exchanges, others are being hit with "sticker shock" upon learning what their health care costs will be in 2014.

The Detroit News reports the fees and taxes alone could affect nearly 60 percent of Americans who get insurance through their employers. Royal Oak, a marketing support company, is passing along those fees to employees. 

"The federal taxes and fees will cost the company $11-$15 per month for each of the 85 employees and family members enrolled in the company’s health care plan. A family of four, for example, would pay up to $720 a year," the article stated.

In addition to the taxes and fees, other costs are also going up. Some employers are holding down premium costs by switching to plans that have higher deductibles, out-of-pocket limits and copays -- in some cases, much higher. Speaking personally, my husband's cost for insurance through his employer will change significantly in 2014. While the premium will only be 6 percent higher, the office visit copay will go up by 20 percent, the deductible by 50 percent per individual and the maximum out-of-pocket costs will double in 2014.

According to NBC News, policies in the federal exchange and in many states have an annual deductible that often tops $5,000 for an individual and $10,000 per couple. Co-payments for visits to a medical specialist can cost $50 to $75 or more.

Are your health insurance costs going up in 2014? Let us know in the comments or vote in our poll. 


Note: 
This is not a scientific poll. It is for entertainment purposes only.


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