A Shocking Reality: Maryland's Obamacare Premiums Skyrocket as Congress Stalls
In the ongoing battle against breast cancer, Rebecca Davis relies on a life-saving drug, but her insurance coverage is about to take a turn for the worse.
Rebecca, a survivor, found solace in an insurance plan that covered her medication, but now, as federal subsidies expire, she faces a daunting future. Her monthly premiums, once manageable, are set to soar, leaving her anxious about the cost of staying healthy.
"I'm a cancer survivor, and the drug I need costs a fortune. Without subsidies, I'm worried about affording it," Rebecca shared at a recent event hosted by Rep. Jamie Raskin.
And she's not alone. Over 190,000 Maryland residents, like Rebecca, are eligible for federal subsidies, and their premiums are about to skyrocket. The situation is dire, affecting millions across the country.
Republican leaders suggest extending subsidies, but only after the government reopens, leaving people in limbo. GOP officials argue the subsidies were temporary and costly, estimating a $355 billion addition to the deficit over a decade.
Democrats, however, emphasize the importance of these subsidies in making healthcare affordable. State officials are concerned, as people start shopping for plans without clarity on subsidy extensions.
"It's a scramble to reset rates and incorporate subsidies, and then convince consumers to reconsider," said Michele Eberle, director of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange.
Open enrollment ends on January 15th, and the coverage is crucial for small business owners, contractors, farmers, and now, former federal workers.
Almost half a million Marylanders have signed up, and with subsidies expiring, state officials plan limited subsidies for lower-income residents. This leaves thousands facing higher costs due to rising healthcare expenses and the absence of federal support.
Insurers have received approval to increase rates by an average of 13.4%, a rise lower than the national average, thanks to state intervention.
The middle class is particularly affected. For instance, a family of four earning $129,000, previously eligible for federal subsidies, will see a 56% increase in premiums, paying $1,427 monthly next year. Even with state aid, a family earning $80,000 will face a 55% rise, paying around $419 monthly.
"Millions will drop out, getting sicker and ending up in emergency rooms, driving up rates for everyone," Raskin warned.
Exchange officials estimate 70,000 people may drop coverage due to cost increases, a stark contrast to the state's aggressive enrollment efforts.
Keeping people insured increases access to primary healthcare, keeping them healthy and reducing the need for expensive hospital services, experts say.
About 6% of Marylanders are uninsured, down from 12% before the federal healthcare law, but the expiring subsidies threaten this progress.
The exchange may gain enrollees from the federal workforce, but costs remain a concern for many, like Rosalind Carrington, a single mother. "We need health insurance, but the costs are a worry," she said.
This story was reported by Meredith Cohn, a health and medicine journalist for The Baltimore Banner, covering the latest in healthcare and public health for over two decades.
