Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins released the following statement in regard to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City’s decision to leave Obamacare’s individual marketplace:

“The latest news from Blue Cross Blue Shield KC is certainly upsetting for Kansans, but not unexpected.  During meetings with various health insurers over the past few years, they have consistently expressed concerns about Obamacare and their individual company's ability to continue to offer affordable plans under Obamacare’s harmful and penalizing regulations. Unfortunately, this seems to be a common trend that is circulating our nation under Obamacare. That’s why I am committed to creating a patient-centered healthcare system that creates more opportunities, increases competition and drives down the high cost of health premiums. We need a healthcare system that works for Kansans, not Washington bureaucrats.”

Notes:

• The Department of Health and Human Services recently released a report detailing the effects of Obamacare since 2013: https://aspe.hhs.gov/system/files/pdf/256751/IndividualMarketPremiumChanges.pdf
  • Comparing the average premiums found in 2013 MLR data and 2017 CMS MIDAS data shows average exchange premiums were 105% higher in the 39 states using Healthcare.gov in 2017 than average individual market premiums in 2013.
  • Average monthly premiums increased from $232 in 2013 to $476 in 2017, and 62% of those states had 2017 exchange premiums at least double the 2013 average.