SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- Avera Health and Sanford Health must be doing a lot of hand holding with their insurance customers as a result of President's Trump's decision to end Obamacare subsidies.
Avera Health Plans CEO Deb Mueller says the biggest question they're getting is will Trump's decision impact current insurance premiums.
"We are reassuring those individuals that nothing is going to happen with their plans during 2017. We are moving forward in providing the coverage they expect from us for the balance of the year."
But next year will be a different story. Without being specific, Mueller expects higher premiums.
"We have seen anywhere in the nation, which I can generally speak to, anywhere from ten to 20 percent in terms of the cost share reductions. Sometimes they're even higher than that."
Mueller says that tax credits associated with these insurance plans will blunt some of the impact of loss of subsidies.
The open enrollment period for Obamacare begins November 1 and will less only 45 days, for 2018 insurance plans.
An estimated 19,000 South Dakotans have Obamacare plans and the overwhelming majority receive subsidies. Avera and Sanford are the only two carriers that provide such plans in South Dakota.
Since the failure of the Republican-controlled Congress to repeal and replace Obamacare, President Trump has talked about dismantling it piece by piece.
