General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Why aren't Dems and Progressives going on OFFENSE on the INSURANCE COMPANIES for not complying? [View all]ramapo
(4,588 posts)The insurance companies are, surprise surprise, taking every advantage.
Here in NJ, I am sorry to say, there is less choice of insurers. What is offered are almost exclusively HMOs and EPOs, two insurance company creations designed to limit choice and boost profits. In many cases the deductible is set at the maximum out-of-pocket. The drug plans suck.
Despite the fact that NJ has forbidden medical underwriting for many years, premiums are no lower and may in fact be a bit higher. I know they are in my particular case. The argument has been that the pool is small and distorted in the individual market so premiums must be higher than what exists in the group market. But that doesn't follow through here.
NJ had a rule that any company offering group policies also had to offer individual policies. No such rule exists in the ACA so United Health Care and Aetna pulled out of the state, waiting no doubt for conditions to become more profitable. In the meantime, less competition and less choice.