How much will individuals pay for health insurance through Obamacare? Although Obamacare is a nationwide healthcare initiative, the coverage costs will vary depending on each state.
According to data recently released by the Department of Health and Human Services, Americans under the age of 65 who purchase coverage through the new healthcare act will end up paying the highest rates in Wyoming, while those who opt into the program in Minnesota will end up spending the least. Meanwhile, the states of Kentucky and Massachusetts have not yet released their coverage rates.
When it comes to unsubsidized costs, Minnesota comes in with the lowest rates, and is the sole state offering middle-tier “silver” plans for less than $200 a month. Furthermore, the lowest tier of ACA coverage, also called the “bronze” plan, calls for average monthly premiums of $144. In comparison, the state of Wyoming offers the bronze plan at an average of $425, while its silver plans begin at $489.
Meanwhile, in all other states across the U.S., bronze plans are offered at an average of $249, while silver plans begin at $310. Aside from the fact that silver plans, on average, are priced at 16 percent less than the projected $392 per month, government officials report that 56 percent of uninsured participants will be able to pay $100 or less each month. Nevertheless, the monthly cost exceeds the prior projected price tag of $392 in seven states.
Another influential factor for determining coverage rates under Obamacare is age. The Department of Health and Human Services reports that the average cost for younger Americans will likely be lower than what older people will be required to pay. As a general rule of thumb, states with more competing insurers will be charged lower rates than those states with fewer participating insurers.
With the help of an online subsidy calculator, individuals can get a better idea as to how much they can afford to spend on health insurance. By inputting various factors such as income level, age, and family size, an estimate will be calculated to help determine an individual’s eligibility for subsidies.