Better coverage, higher costs

The New York Times profiled Geisinger Health, an apparently enthusiastic supporter of the Affordable Care Act. Specifically in the spotlight is Geisinger's request to increase insurance premiums by 40 percent for 2017. They are not alone, of course, as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas asked for an increase of nearly 60 percent. Other states are expecting significant increases as well, although generally not quite as severe. Part of the rationale is that insurers previously lacked sufficient historical data to accurately estimate claims.

The rate of uninsured has dropped after the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, which means that more Americans are getting coverage. At the same time, it appears that health insurance premiums might be rising faster than many have expected. In essence, the Affordable Care Act seems to have helped with coverage, but not with cost. Rapidly increasing costs might at some point become an issue of access.