Report: New Evidence Of Rising ‘Obamacare’ Premiums

WASHINGTON (AP) — A new study says premiums for popular low-cost medical plans under the federal health care law are expected to go up an average of 11 percent next year.

The analysis from the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation foreshadows sharp increases in an election year.

The study looked at 14 metro areas with complete data available. It found that premiums for a level of insurance called the "lowest-cost silver plan" will go up in 12 of the areas, while decreasing in two.

The changes range from a decrease of 14 percent in Providence, Rhode Island, to an increase of 26 percent in Portland, Oregon.

For consumers, the impact will depend on whether they get government subsidies for premiums, as well as on their willingness to switch plans to keep increases more manageable.

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