Gary--that report seems pretty accurate to me.
In the late 1990s, my husband and I were paying $226 per month for both of us to be covered under an excellent policy. This month, we are paying a bit more than $1100 per month for far less coverage--we have downgraded our coverage and increased our deductibles every couple of years in a vain attempt to keep costs "affordable."
Our monthly income has not gone up more than 400% over these years.
Our financial exposure has gone from $1,000 family deductible per year, with that being the total out-of-pocket, to $8,000 deductible ($3k for me, $5k for DH), and additional co-insurance up to a maximum OOP of $15k per year ($5k for me, $10k for DH)
I am currently attempting to secure less-expensive coverage for myself since my premium is going up another $68/mo. with higher annual and total OOP deductibles. My husband's policy will renew in January and we have no idea yet as to what type of increase to expect. As of yesterday, I have been denied by two different insurers, citing "pre-existing conditions" that were part of my medical history the last time I sought new coverage. So anyone who thinks that pre-existing conditions only matter for the previous 12 months--think again. One of my "conditions" was diagnosed more than five years ago. The other "condition" is the underwriter's interpretation that a condition might exist that has not been diagnosed--huh?
One of the companies denying new coverage to me is the company that currently insures me! I will of course retain this coverage but it has gone up 40% over the past three years and I foresee no end in sight. (Needless to say my income has not gone up 40% over the past three years. I wish!) My health has not changed, these "conditions" were present the last time I was approved, and these "conditions" were dismissed by my doctor years ago as "nothing serious." No treatment has ever been recommended or required. The only thing that has changed is I'm a couple of years older.
There is very little competition in our area, given the size of the market. BC/BS is the biggie here, followed by UPMC and HealthAmerica. After that you're dealing with Aetna and a handful of online companies. I have spent (conservatively) more than 100 hours over these past few weeks doing research, making applications, and speaking to representatives about insurance. I'm not just sitting back complaining about the high costs. I'm trying to do something about it, but I keep hitting
I'm healthier than most friends in my age group, take no prescription medications, and have not required any medical treatment other than routine check-ups (all of which said I'm in great health albeit a few pounds too heavy) for the past four years. But so far, two out of three of my best options have refused to give me new coverage.
I'm very happy for those who have had success with our current system. I have not, and foresee only more difficulties if it continues this way. I don't know the answers, but this system is screwy.