So when Anthem and Kaizer come to my workplace this open enrollment season...

[SHRED]

...and once again disparage the ACA(Obamacare) as one of the reasons they are raising premiums what should I ask them?

They have done it before and suspect they will do it again. They use words like "uncertainty due to complexity", etc...

I hate these fucking vultures.

[Kber]

1. Well, for starters

I'd ask them why they raised rates in 2006 - 2012, well before ACA would have affected them at all.

For as much as they can blame ACA for their troubles, they should be paying the administration a bonus. Must be nice to have someone else to blame for a change!

[cbdo2007]

2. Is it them raising rates or is it your company changing how much they are paying?

Many times employees will see their premiums stay the same but they still have to pay more because their employer is contributing less.

Also, see if the benefits have changed. Ask your HR if the benefits have changed and they may have added some benefits or changed some copay amounts or something in your plan.

[brooklynite]

3. Why do you assume they're blaming ACA?

http://healthreform.kaiserpermanente.org/en/your-guide-to-reform

[SHRED]

4. assuming?

They came out and said it. The representatives from each. WTF is there to "assume"?

[SheilaT]

5. Also keep in mind that they can only use 20% of the premiums

for expenses. 80% must go to covering actual medical costs. Any difference is refunded.

[SHRED]

6. Wouldn't that be an incentive then to raise rates?

[SheilaT]

7. No. Because they have to return the excess that is not spent on health care.

Some large number of people have received checks. In some cases, the refunds go to the business through which the individual is getting health care.

People here have mentioned it. Google Health care premium rebates and you'll see links to a number of stories on the topic.