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The state Insurance Division released a health insurance rate comparison sheet Tuesday to make it easier for consumers to compare plans under President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act.
The Obamacare plans range from a monthly premium of $72.40 for a Bronze-level option (60 percent of medical expenses covered by the insurer, 40 percent out of pocket) for an individual under 21 years old to an $871.26 Platinum policy (90 percent covered, 10 percent out of pocket) for a 64-year-old. The premiums do not include deductibles, co-payments and other cost sharing, or tax credits for eligible consumers. Tax credits can be obtained through the Connector.
The information is meant to be used as a tool for consumers to compare rates offered by Hawaii Medical Service Association and Kaiser Permanente Hawaii on and off the Hawaii Health Connector, the state’s online insurance marketplace created by Obamacare.
"Using that premium sheet, consumers and small businesses can compare their ACA plan premiums to the premiums for their existing 2013 plans," which will increase by about 8 percent to 10 percent, said Insurance Commissioner Gordon Ito. "They can compare the 2014 premiums to what they’re currently paying in making a decision to continue in their existing plans or purchase an ACA plan, which will have more benefits."
The Affordable Care Act requires 2014 health plans include increased benefits such as prescription drug coverage, pediatric dental and vision, and habilitative services, which are currently excluded from existing policies in Hawaii.
HMSA and Kaiser have agreed to extend 2013 health plans into next year.
For information, go to 1.usa.gov/1hLA4Tl.