Blame Dems for ACA results

Opponents of the Affordable Care Act warned that projected cost savings were unrealistic. During the first years it appeared the ACA was working as premiums were low. A closer look shows that during the earlier years, President Obama delayed the more onerous provisions to hold costs down. Most insurers, in an effort to lock up customers, and with no cost history, priced premiums low.

The insurers now have a year of history to determine more accurate costs, and guess what? Premiums are increasing 25 percent to 50 percent. A June 18 letter to the editor blames the GOP for this. Yet, not one Republican voted for the ACA.

Here are more likely reasons for the increases: 1) In spite of having to pay a penalty for not enrolling, many young people who seldom need care have not enrolled and paid needed premiums; 2) Insurance companies are now pricing premiums based on actual costs, which were high due to millions of formerly uninsured using their coverage; and 3) providing platinum coverage that includes birth control and coverage of pre-existing conditions.

The ACA has both good and bad points. If you’re going to credit Democrats for the good, then you must also blame them for the bad. It’s their law.

Hal Dixon

Spokane