Local insurance agent: Do not prematurely drop Affordable Care Act coverage

A Decorah health benefits consultant says a letter sent out by a health insurance company is confusing the public and may cause some people to drop Affordable Care Act coverage before they get the full picture.

Brian Huinker, benefits consultant for Group Benefit Partners, says that Medica sent out letters—as required by the federal government—disclosing what 2018 premium amounts would be. It also disclosed what credits would be, but used 2017 figures instead of 2018.

It is important to note that while premiums are increasing, credits are increasing equally or, in some cases, by greater amounts. Most people will continue to pay the same premium, while a few will have lower premiums.

Huinker is worried people will have read the letter and decide to drop their health insurance. "The reality is, if that person makes a similar income in 2018, their premiums will stay the same or go a little lower. The important thing to do is to contact a local agent and make sure you enter all information correctly." There is no higher premium charge to do this—the cost is the same whether you do it yourself or use an agent.

Huinker says they have seen over 250 customers in 16 days to answer their questions and that they expect to see 1,000 customers by December 15th, the last day to make ACA decisions