The average monthly premium for exchange plans will vary wildly next year, but overall, rates in several states are expected to increase modestly and are likely to remain affordable for many consumers. In some areas, like Colorado, competition is high, which is forcing a decrease in premium rates. Colorado is expected to have 15 different health insurers offering plans on the exchange in 2015. But in others, which are heavily dominated by a single insurer, rates are going up. For example, in Tennessee, which had only four carriers last year, the state Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan was by far the dominant insurer and will raise rates next year. However, Blue Cross offered low premiums in 2014, and the average monthly premium will be $231—still well below many other high-cost states.
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