Health insurance hikes hitting Texans
More than 163,000 Texans face double-digit rate increases to their healthcare premiums this year as insurers raise prices in anticipation of higher medical costs and full implementation of the Obama administration's healthcare law.
Pogue is hopeful that some aspects of health reform will help consumers become better shoppers. Health exchanges are scheduled to go into effect in 2014 to help consumers and business shop for policies. The law also requires the state to publish data about charges associated with premiums.
"There could be some advantage to consumers having this information," she said.
And companies may try to ward off a designation that their rates are excessive, Pogue said.
"If the state finds the rate excessive, the public may not buy from that company anymore," she said.
The federal law caps administrative costs and profits at 20 percent, so if plans don't meet certain thresholds, they are required to send rebates to consumers.
In Fort Worth, some small-business owners say they are bracing for a hit, though they contend they've already seen increases of up to 20 percent in recent years.
Reed Pigman, owner of Texas Jet in Fort Worth, said he is expecting to receive his renewal notice any day now.
"Call me in two weeks," Pigman said, and he hopes to be able to quantify the damage.
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