Georgians get rates for new federal health care plan

ATLANTA — The federal government has released the cost of insurance premiums for Georgians under the Affordable Care Act.

There are 68 different health plans to choose from when the law takes effect on Oct. 1, ranging from bronze to platinum.

The amount subscribers will pay depends on salary, age, location and if they smoke or not.

Democrats and supporters of the law say despite tactics in Washington to slow the process, uninsured Georgians will be able to sign up on a federal exchange on Tuesday.

They are touting the lower than expected costs of insurance premiums just released by the Department of Health and Human Services.

According to the federal website, a family of four making $50,000 a year would pay about $138 a month for a minimal plan. That includes a federal subsidy.

The cost goes up for a more traditional plan to $282 a month with the subsidy. 

"My rates are not lower than what's expected," Atlanta Tea Party leader Debbie Dooley said.

Dooley told Channel 2's Lori Geary the rates on the federal exchange are less because those with private insurance are picking up the tab with other taxpayers. 

"You're paying for it, I'm paying for it, and the American taxpayer is paying for that. That's your money," Dooley said. 

"Maybe Miss Dooley needs to check out some other insurance providers," state Sen. Curt Thompson said.

"Over time, once the initial roll out is done; folks' rates will go down. Where rates go up, it will be at a lower rate," Thompson said.

Open enrollment under the Affordable Care Act begins Oct. 1 and runs through March 31.
 
You can find out more information at the federal website healthcare.gov.

WSBTV