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El Paso health insurance consumers have continued to favorably rate the Affordable Care Act (ACA) according to a new poll just released by The Kaiser Family Foundation. Health care providers believe this reflects positive news for the industry as the ACA continues to grow in spite of efforts to terminate the Obama administration’s signature legislation.
The ACA, commonly called ObamaCare, reached an all-time high of 54% with a “favorable view” in the national survey. The Kaiser Family Foundation has tracked the popularity of the ACA in more than 80 polls since it was passed into law in 2010. According to KFF, the public’s positive view on Obamacare has evolved since providers have offered a greater number plans with comprehensive coverage that also allow for pre-existing conditions.
With optimism increasing, providers have indicated they have plans to expand Obamacare with reduced rates for 2019. Publicly-traded insurers such as Cigna and Centene have already forecasted increased revenues for fiscal year 2018. Although Anthem was one large provider that reduced services in several of ACA’s public exchange marketplaces, they have now signaled that their strategy may change. New CEO Gail Boudreaux stated at the beginning of the year that Anthem, which operates Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in 14 states including Texas, may “be positioned to re-enter certain markets in 2019 if appropriate.”
Health insurance in El Paso, Texas should see these changes take effect as insurers such as Health Care Service Corp which owns plans in Texas has already filed average rates ranging from slight reductions to modest increases. These changes would be for ACA-aligned plans throughout the state.
Health care experts have cautioned, however, stability in the marketplace is an important factor in consumers seeing sustained rate reductions. The Trump administration recently approved less regulated, stripped-down plans to be offered in several states. These can potentially lead to young, healthy individuals exiting Obamacare leading to high-risk pools and a potential collapse of the ACA. Rick Thornton, an El Paso health insurance agent, concurs. “The health insurance industry in general and ObamaCare specifically, have experienced quite a bit of turbulence the last several years. Increased consumer confidence and industry profits are great news but the government must play their role in sustaining the momentum.”
Insurance4Dallas, (I4D), helps insure all of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Arizona, Louisiana, New Mexico, Alabama, Virginia and Florida. Insurance4Dallas provides consumers with detailed information on health insurance with the ability to purchase health insurance online. Insurance4Dallas provides a full spectrum of health, dental, vision, life and ancillary insurance products, providing a diverse selection of price and benefit options complemented by personal customer service. Available via phone, email or fax, Insurance4Dallas answers consumer questions throughout the purchasing process and during the utilization of its health insurance policies.
Release ID: 309535