Here we go: *Obamacare* and Blue Cross of NC

[WorseBeforeBetter]

Premiums vary widely under Blue Cross of NC subsidized health plans

By John Murawski — [e-mail]

Some North Carolinians with low incomes will pay no monthly insurance premiums next year under federally subsidized health plans to be offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.

The state’s biggest insurer announced details Thursday of subsidized plans it will start selling Oct. 1 under the Affordable Care Act. Blue Cross plans to offer 26 subsidized insurance plans in every county in the state.

The release of the plans offers the first comprehensive look at how much health insurance will cost here under the new health care law. It shows that rates for young men will increase, while women and older people likely will see decreases.

Critics had warned that subsidizing insurance would drive up health care costs across the board, but rates in North Carolina and other states indicate that insurance will become affordable for some people for the first time, while others will face steep increases from what they’re used to paying.

Rates in the state vary widely depending on age, income and county of residence.

....

Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/09/05/3167375/premiums-vary-widely-under-blue.html#storylink=cpy

Blue Cross’ sampling of subsidized rates

Age    Wage        Monthly premium
25     $20,000     $42.44–$76.96
25     $30,000     $166.41–$201.13
25     $40,000     $184.99–$219.71 (qualifies for zero subsidy)
40     $20,000     $30.47–$74.66
40     $30,000     $154.72–$198.91
40     $40,000     $235.47–$279.66 (qualifies for zero subsidy)
60     $20,000     $0–$62.68
60     $30,000     $93.39–$187.15
60     $40,000     $200.72–$294.57

Sources: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, Kaiser Family Foundation

Details not available until October 1st, when enrollment begins...

[Lee-Lee]

1. Ugh. I was excited until I read the details

The rates you posted are for the lowest tier plan, that only covers 60% of expenses.

So a person with limited means will of course but the cheapest plan, and then if they face great injury or illness be on the hook for 40% of the bill. Or in other words, still bankrupt.

And 40% cost of needed preventative care is enough to keep most people for getting it.

Not great, the decent plans that cover 90% like they should are going to be far more. And it is still the crappy BCBS that I have never had a good experience with.

I am kinda disappointed.

Anyone know how income is determined for subsidies? Taxable income, so deductions lower it, net income, or?