Blue Cross Urges Expansion of Obamacare Premium Subsidies (1)

Blue Cross Blue Shield health plans are calling for a package of Obamacare reforms that would expand premium subsidies for middle-income people and reduce costs, especially for young adults.

The proposals would reduce premiums an average of 33 percent and expand coverage to an additional 4.2 million people by 2021 while protecting people with pre-existing conditions, Justine Handelman, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association senior vice president, said at a Feb. 28 press briefing. The BCBSA represents 36 Blue Cross Blue Shield plans that cover most of the Obamacare exchanges.

The Affordable Care Act has expanded health insurance coverage, but “the ...