Eric Galatas, Public News Service
Health insurance prices are going up again, and increases are even higher for individuals than they were last year – by 20 percent on average – according to plans approved Tuesday by the Colorado Division of Insurance.
Adam Fox, director of strategic engagement for the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, said residents will have an opportunity to make their voices heard on the rate hikes at a public forum in Denver next week.
“That’s a great opportunity for consumers to really weigh in and get involved,” he said, “and also put a little bit of pressure on the Division of Insurance – to say, ‘Hey, this is getting out of control for us, and we need to do more to control these costs.’ “
Fox said higher premiums are likely to hit hardest in the state’s 14 counties with only one insurance carrier. He also encouraged people to shop carefully to pick the right plan at the best possible price. He added that many Coloradans will be eligible for financial assistance, and some could see their share of premiums go down.
The DOI’s final plans are online at colorado.gov.
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