CareFirst proposes 25 percent rate increase under health care reform

Baltimore Sun ^ | 4/24/2013 | Andrea K. Walker

[markomalley]

Blaming the cost to implement health care reform, the state's largest health insurer has proposed eye-popping rate increases to state regulators for individuals and small businesses.

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield wants to raise rates an average of 25 percent on those who buy coverage individually. Chet Burrell, the insurer's CEO, said the increase was needed to cover the cost of more sick people who will be joining the insurance rolls under health care reform.

People with pre-existing conditions were denied coverage prior to health care reform, keeping insurance costs down.

In recent years, rates for individual insurance coverage have risen an average of 7 percent to 11 percent, according to various studies.

"We have always supported the intent and goal of the Affordable Care Act, but this is the practical result of it by opening the pool to everybody," Burrell said.

[old curmudgeon]

You voted for some of the worst libs in congress.

Do you really think we are sympathetic?

You got what you voted for.

[detective]

“eye-popping rate increases to state regulators for individuals and small businesses.”

Small businesses are just hanging on in the current economy. These increases will make it harder for them to survive.

[Pollster1]

Blaming the cost to implement health care reform, the state's largest health insurer has proposed eye-popping rate increases . . . CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield wants to raise rates an average of 25 percent on those who buy coverage individually.

I think the liberal term for this outcome is "UNEXPECTED".

[fatnotlazy]

But...but...but...I thought this law would make health care more affordable? (SNICKER)

Of course, the true believers won’t admit that their idol lied to them. They will just blame the increases on those evil insurance companies.

[don-o]

It’s falling apart. All of it.

[La Lydia]

Awesome. Those commies in Maryland are going to get exactly what they voted for.

[Kozak]

That’s a feature, not a bug. All designed that way.

[Signalman]

This is just the beginning...

[DJ MacWoW]

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[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

Dear Obamacare supporters:

Maryland "Freak State" PING!

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

Don’t blame me; I sure as heck did not vote for Van Hollen or Mikulski.

[ConorMacNessa]

GRRR!!!

We have CareFirst and it's been pretty good for us up until now. Who knows how bad it will get under Obamacare?



"Riamh nár dhruid ó sbairn lann!"

Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[ConorMacNessa]

I've lived in the People's Republic of Maryland since 1956. I've voted against Steny Hoyer and Barbara Mikulski in every election since 1986. I've voted against every Dem gubernatorial candidate since 1968. I will continue to vote against any Dem running for election in my district until I die.

I am not the "you" referred to in your post. Also, I am no longer registered as a Republican - I'm a registered Conservative.

We got what we voted for? I didn't vote for any of the crypto-commies who putatively represent me, on the local, state or Federal level. We all got Obama, and I haven't encountered anyone on this forum who voted for him. Do you think we "deserve" him?



"Riamh nár dhruid ó sbairn lann!"

Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[M-cubed]

their plan was akin to taking a $8 cup of starbucks coffee and adding 99 cups of hot water to it so that the 99 who couldn't afford it could have a free cup in the morning like the people that could afford it

[Moonman62]

"We have always supported the intent and goal of the Affordable Care Act, but this is the practical result of it by opening the pool to everybody," Burrell said.

The intent and goal is to raise taxes (ask John Roberts), and to increase government power.

[RedMDer]

Not this guy. I fought tooth nail against. No Freeper in MD voted for those Communist SOBs.
Its the Gerrymander.

[RedMDer]

BUMP!