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Health Insurers Release Details, Rates for Colorado Exchange

Dr. Barry Martin of Metro Community Provider Network treats Medicare patient Thelma McCaskell. They are in the Potomac Street Health Clinic in Aurora.
Robert D. Tonsing
/
Colorado Public News
Dr. Barry Martin of Metro Community Provider Network treats Medicare patient Thelma McCaskell. They are in the Potomac Street Health Clinic in Aurora.

A Colorado health care advocacy group says people who qualify to use the state's health insurance exchange will be able to find affordable rates.

The Colorado Consumer Health Initiative analyzed the program created as a result of Affordable Care Act  and compared similar plans from 10 carriers who will be offering plans starting in October. The analysis found rates as low as $200 a month for individuals and $700 a month for families.

CCHI Executive Director Dede de Percin says the exchange is meeting the expectations of what was promised under healthcare reform.

"There's been a lot in the press and a lot of hype about rate shock -- that somehow the rates are going to be very high and unaffordable," de Percin told Colorado News Connection. "We're not seeing rate shock in Colorado… and this is consistent in what we've seen in the seven or eight other states that also had rates filed."

So far ten private insurers have submitted plans for Colorado's health exchange. Many people will also qualify for federal subsidies, which will reduce the monthly rates further. Enrollment for the plans starts in October.

Starting Jan. 1, 2014, most individuals will be required to maintain health insurance.

As the host of KUNC’s new program and podcast In the NoCo, I work closely with our producers and reporters to bring context and diverse perspectives to the important issues of the day. Northern Colorado is such a diverse and growing region, brimming with history, culture, music, education, civic engagement, and amazing outdoor recreation. I love finding the stories and voices that reflect what makes NoCo such an extraordinary place to live.
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