Birthday present from health insurer: a 35% rate hike.

[PA Democrat]

My husband opened his latest bill for health insurance and was shocked to see a 35% rate hike. We had been led to believe the rates would increase about 9-10% , so he called to get an explanation. The reason? He turned 60.

In the meantime, due to preexisting conditions, switching to another insurance company is not an option. It feels like extortion.

[redwitch]

1. That sucks.

And it IS extortion. I am so sorry, don't know how we are going to get through this.

[PA Democrat]

4. Thanks. Just had to vent.

I guess I should be thankful that we can at least still afford the premiums, but I know that there are many people who would have to drop their coverage under the same circumstances.

[Nuclear Unicorn]

2. Mandates are legislated monopolies

Even if you could jump ship the next corporation would just do the exact same thing because you've been ordered by the government, under threat of fine and imprisonment, to pay for their winter condo in Florida and their summer home in the Hamptons.

[david_vincent]

3. He is being punished for not moving to another country in time eom

[Arugula Latte]

5. I'm beginning to feel like that.

I frequently feel a low-level panic that we don't have good emigration prospects. But even if we did, we have elderly parents we can't leave.

[Loge23]

6. "government take over"

How many times have we heard the right-wing whackos repeat the great canard about the government taking over health care??
If only!!

[PA Democrat]

7. I should add that the insurance company has pocketed

almost ALL of the premiums because it is a high deductible plan and he never has bills that exceed the deductible.

[lady lib]

8. Which insurance company is it?

I only ask because when Blue Cross/Blue Shield of AZ gave my husband a 50th birthday "present," we were able to lower our rates by switching to a different, but very similar plan, within the same company.

[PA Democrat]

10. Highmark BC/ BS.

The plan he has now was the "solution" to to last big rate hike. :-(

[lady lib]

15. Ours probably was too. I can't remember. Do give them a call -

it can't hurt to check.

Good luck!

[lovuian]

9. it is extortion

in no other terms

[undeterred]

11. I have no insurance at all.

[PA Democrat]

13. That is criminal in "the richest" country in the world.

:(

[Shagbark Hickory]

12. Well hell... they gotta eat.

:sarcasm:

[1776Forever]

14. Thom Hartman reported that 2 States are going to Single Payer! Check it out...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x620308

And the answer is - Single Payer!

:applause:

[PA Democrat]

16. There is a movement for single payer here in PA

that HAD been gathering momentum.

Now it seems that everyone is in crisis mode because our new Republican governor eliminated PA's AdultBasic health plan for low-income adults.

[1776Forever]

19. Keep it in the news - Just saying it is good to write letters & post on DU - I am with you totally!

We HAVE to let these greedy people that we are not going to take this! I talked to a CFO of a huge HMO in Florida a few years ago and he told me he even felt that was too much money being spent on Upper Management Level perks. So I signed up for updates that the company sent out every week and it was astounding how much was being "hidden" by bonuses and special programs that they were hiding behind with expenditures like "special" projects, etc.! This is such a racket! Sickening!

[SOS]

17. 2011

Beginning in 2012, the insurance companies will be limited to 10%.
That's why they are gouging now, at the end of 2011.

[leftyladyfrommo]

18. It is extortion. Plain and simple. And age discrimination.

I was just able to change companies and get a much rate and coverage. I'm 63 but I don't have any pre-existing stuff.