The superintendent of insurance has approved premium increases of more than 100% over the last five years; the average deductible sold in this market has increased substantially over the same period; and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has lost millions of dollars on this business over the last two years.
Individual insurance is for the self-employed, as well as early retirees who are not yet eligible for Medicare and young people just entering the workforce.
Many individuals who have insurance are barely hanging on to it by purchasing policies with deductibles that are unreasonably high for their incomes.
So why are Maine's individual health insurance rates among the highest in the country?
The rising cost of medical care and the increased use of medical services are driving some of the increases, but Maine's insurance laws are a big part of the problem, too.
Guaranteed issue requires health insurers to provide coverage to any and all individuals seeking it. Maine's community rating law limits the factors that can be used to determine the price of coverage.
While these laws were passed with good intentions, a lot has changed in 15 years -- especially in health care.
These laws have contributed to all major insurance companies except Anthem leaving the individual market here. They have driven up premiums and deductibles, forcing many people to drop coverage.
This problem is not unique to Maine. Other states, including Idaho, Kentucky, New Hampshire and Washington, have faced a similar situation.
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