These are the numbers we have been waiting for. This week the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a report revealing what insurers will be allowed to charge in the largest cities in 36 states, when selling policies Americans buying their own coverage in the state “Exchanges.” The report also shows the size of the subsidies that Exchange shoppers  will receive. Previously, we had hard numbers for only 14 states.

In addition, HHS announced averaged premiums, state-wide, for Bronze and Silver plans in those 36 states. (We will be getting more information on rates in other cities very soon.)

Fear-mongers should blush.

It turns out that, on average, rates are 16% below the Congressional Budget Office’s projection—and that is BEFORE factoring in the subsidies.

I found what the report has to say about premiums in Texas particularly interesting. Many observers had suggested that while rates in the Blue States might be surprisingly low, Red States would let carriers charge far more.

I’ve written about the report—and the media’s reaction to it—here on null.com. 

You can comment there, or return here to comment.

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