Health insurance rate hikes under Obamacare in Illinois could top 40 percent

Posted on August 2, 2017

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin spoke on the Senate floor Tuesday about expected rate increases under the Affordable Care Act exchanges. (Photo courtesy Facebook/Dick Durbin)

By Eric Stock

WASHINGTON – Illinoisans seeking health insurance on the Obamacare exchange could see premium rates increase more than 40 percent.

The Chicago Tribune reports proposed rates from various insurers released Tuesday range from an increase of 5.4 to 43 percent.

In a speech on the Senate floor Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin said President Trump is trying to sabotage Obamacare by creating uncertainty that’s forcing health insurers to leave the marketplace.

“Instead of working with Congress to expand affordable health insurance coverage and care, (Trump) is threatening the well-being of millions of American families,” Durbin said.

Durbin said the Affordable Care Act has done a lot of good but is far from perfect. He said improvements can and should be made.

Trump and many Republicans have said the health care system will collapse on its own.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

Illinois Radio Network contributed to this report.

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