Source: KJCT 8
As the Senate debated a deal to end the longest-running government shutdown in American history, not all lawmakers were on board. Some voiced concerns about the bill not including an extension to the Affordable Care Act tax credits.
Here in Colorado, counties across the state could see increases in their premiums.
In El Paso County, new data from Connect for Health Colorado shows people who purchase their coverage through the state’s health insurance marketplace will see a 92% increase in premiums, which amounts to an extra $1,300 each year on average.
In Pueblo County, financially assisted customers could see a 79% increase on average, or about $900 more per year.
According to the data, rural counties could see a higher increase than urban counties, but every county is seeing over a 45% increase.
Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway told 11 News in a statement, “If the government reopens without an extension of the enhanced premium tax credits, nothing will change for the 225,000 Coloradans who, on average, are facing a doubling of health insurance costs. We estimate these catastrophic price increases will lead to 75,000 people losing access to health care.”
