Obamacare insurance consumers in Illinois will face steep increases in premium in 2017. Bronze plans will increase by 44% Silver plans by 45%, and gold plans by 55%.
Starting in 2017, Illinoisans buying health insurance on the federal market place will be forced to pay nearly twice as much for premiums compared to their current rates.
In a statement to the Chicago Tribune, Blue Cross Blue Shield says the rate increases will bring Illinois in line with other states.
No final decisions have been made for 2017, but the proposed rate increase for the cheapest bronze plans in Illinois would be 44 percent.
Silver plans would go up by 45 percent and premiums for gold plans would increase by 55 percent next year.
The proposed rate increases come on the heels of news that dozens of healthcare providers are leaving the marketplace altogether, leaving tens of thousands of customers looking for coverage.
Some providers have struggled in Illinois, losing tens of millions of dollars in the past few years.
In many counties, the number of healthcare plans available has dramatically decreased.
In Cook County, 38 plans will be offered next year, down from 71 plans offered this year.