Average premiums across the individual market will be on the decline next year, the Minnesota Department of Commerce announced Tuesday, with reductions for the largest four carriers in the market ranging from a 7.4 percent decline to as much as a 27.7 percent decline. The reductions amount to the latest sign of stability in the individual market, which for several years was plagued by premium spikes under the federal Affordable Care Act. This spring, 162,000 Minnesotans were buying individual coverage, where consumers can purchase via the state’s MNsure exchange or directly from some carriers. In the market where small employers buy coverage, however, average rates for the largest carriers are increasing from 3 percent to 12 percent, depending on the carrier. “The rate decreases in the individual market indicate that this market continues to stabilize,” said Commerce Commissioner Jessica Looman in a statement. “Key trends supporting market stability include … [Read more...] about Health insurance premium rates drop for individuals, rise for small employers in Minnesota
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Obamacare premiums projected to decrease, despite Trump Admin hopes to unravel law
The HealthCare.gov website is photographed in Washington on Dec. 15, 2017. Millions of people covered under the Affordable Care Act will see only modest premium increases next year, and some will actually get a price cut. That’s from an exclusive analysis bound to surprise ‘Obamacare’ opponents and supporters. The study of state data by Avalere Health and The Associated Press also found that insurers aren’t bailing out of the ACA marketplaces anymore; some are coming back. The average premium increase across 47 states and Washington, D.C. will be 3.6 percent in 2019. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick) WASHINGTON - In his first week as President, Donald Trump said, “Obamacare is a disaster.” But after many failed attempts to repeal and replace the law, also known as the Affordable Care Act, it may now be more attractive for those who want to take part. A recent study by the Associated Press and Avalere Health showed that next year, individual market … [Read more...] about Obamacare premiums projected to decrease, despite Trump Admin hopes to unravel law
Medicare shoppers find $0 premium plans
Medicare beneficiaries getting their first detailed look today at 2019 health plan options are seeing a lot more zeros — as in health plans with no monthly premiums. The federal government on Monday let insurers begin marketing detailed health plan options for next year, when more than a quarter million Minnesotans will need to find new coverage due to a change in federal law. Five health insurers next year will sell $0 premium plans in Minnesota — up from one carrier currently — while two others companies will sell coverage with monthly premiums below $30, according to a Star Tribune review of federal data. While a health plan with no premium might sound good, state officials caution that consumers should read the fine print on out-of-pocket costs with the coverage as well as which doctors and hospitals are in the health plan’s network. “There will be more premium-free plans,” said Kelli Jo Greiner, health policy analyst with the Minnesota Board on … [Read more...] about Medicare shoppers find $0 premium plans
Charleston airport to add premium passenger lounge
An unfinished, empty space overlooking the atrium at Charleston International might not be vacant much longer.The state's busiest airport is considering a contract with a Texas firm that operates shared-use, premium passenger lounges in several airports across the country and the United Kingdom.Airport Lounge Development will lease and pay to upfit the 2,200-square-foot, second-floor site into a space with food and beverages for passengers with premium credit cards from Chase, Sapphire, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club International.The Plano, Texas-based company also has access agreements to its lounges through more than 20 domestic and international airlines. For others, a day pass will cost $40.Minority-owned Hyde Park Hospitality of Chicago would manage and staff the operation and work with Sodexo, a worldwide lounge management company with its U.S. base in Gaithersburg, Md., outside Washington, D.C.Airport Lounge Development and Sodexo offer a premium lounge … [Read more...] about Charleston airport to add premium passenger lounge
Madison Strategic Sector Premium Fund (NYSE:MSP) and Madison Covered Call & Equity Strategy Fund (NYSE:MCN) Announce Results of Shareholder Vote at Meetings Relating to the Merger of MSP with and into MCN
MADISON, Wis., Sept. 28, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Madison Strategic Sector Premium Fund (“MSP”) and Madison Covered Call & Equity Strategy Fund (“MCN”) (collectively, the “Funds”), announced today that at a special meeting of shareholders of MSP, and the annual meeting of shareholders of MCN, the requisite shareholders of the Funds have approved the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger”) pursuant to which MSP will be merged with and into MCN, and the transactions contemplated thereby. /EIN News/ -- It is currently expected that the Merger will be effective with the open of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) on October 8, 2018, subject to all regulatory requirements and customary closing conditions being satisfied. Holders of MSP Common Shares will receive newly issued MCN Common Shares. The aggregate net asset value, as of the close of trading of the NYSE on October 5, 2018, of MCN Common Shares received by MSP … [Read more...] about Madison Strategic Sector Premium Fund (NYSE:MSP) and Madison Covered Call & Equity Strategy Fund (NYSE:MCN) Announce Results of Shareholder Vote at Meetings Relating to the Merger of MSP with and into MCN