Expert explains surging health insurance premiums
Expert explains surging health insurance premiums

As the government shutdown extends into its 29th day, Americans who depend on coverage through the Affordable Care Act are getting their first look at the health care sticker shock, with the average cost of premiums jumping 26%, according to KFF. Larry Levitt, KFF’s executive vice president for health policy, joins to discuss.
Read the full article on CBS US
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article discusses rising health insurance premiums, attributing it to the Affordable Care Act. The claim of a 26% premium jump is attributed to KFF, but without further context, it's difficult to assess the scope and accuracy. The article presents a potentially negative view of the ACA without exploring alternative perspectives.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: The average cost of health insurance premiums is jumping 26%.
- Verification Source #1: Source 1 discusses the likelihood of health insurance prices rising next year, but does not specify a 26% increase or attribute it to the ACA.
- Verification Source #3: Source 3 mentions that insurance companies use projections to calculate health plan premiums for the coming year, implying potential increases, but does not provide specific numbers.
- Assessment: Unverified. While sources acknowledge potential increases in health insurance costs, none confirm the specific 26% figure mentioned in the article. The claim is attributed to KFF, which would need to be independently verified.
- Claim: Americans who depend on coverage through the Affordable Care Act are getting their first look at the health care sticker shock.
- Assessment: Unverified. This is a general statement and difficult to verify without specific data on consumer reactions. It implies a negative impact of the ACA, which introduces potential bias.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Source 1 mentions that health insurance prices are likely to rise next year, but does not provide specific numbers or attribute the rise solely to the Affordable Care Act.
- Source 3 discusses medical cost trends and how insurance companies project premiums, but does not confirm the 26% increase mentioned in the article.
