Ridiculous Florida TV Station Claims Credit Scores Affect ACA Premium Prices

[ScreamingMeemie]

Last edited Wed Oct 9, 2013, 02:13 PM - Edit history (1)

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/10/08/1245476/-Ridiculous-Florida-TV-Station-Claims-Credit-Scores-Affect-ACA-Premium-Prices#

snip-

No, Anne, credit scores don't impact the price of premiums. These things do: your age, where you live, and whether or not you smoke. Also, of course, the level of subsidies received on the exchange will contribute to the final sticker price for a given individual.
This just isn't true -- remember that Florida's 'marketplace' is run by the federal government. Were this the case, which it's not, wouldn't we be hearing reports of this problem from all 36 states whose marketplaces are being run by the feds? Well, we're not, because this story is not true.

Nobody is being denied access to an ACA health plan in Florida because of their credit score. Credit is absolutely irrelevant to this process.

The individual spreading this lie, Anne Packham, seems to be the 'lead Navigator' in Florida -- was she specifically chosen by the Florida GOP to spread disinformation, fear and lies about the ACA? Based on this report, that seems very possible.

-snip

On edit: Read the comments from actual navigators in states with actual state-run exchanges.

and, on second edit:

http://www.clickorlando.com/news/Lead-health-care-navigator-in-Florida-provides-wrong-information-on-credit-scores/-/1637132/22341034/-/md8ohn/-/index.html


Lead health care navigator in Florida provides wrong information on credit scores

Ann Packham tells Local 6 she was incorrect about Affordable Care Act


Starting January 1, 2014, insurance companies must adhere to minimum premium rating rules for individuals and small businesses.

Health plans will be allowed to adjust premiums only for the following factors:

*Self-only or family enrollment;
*Geographic area;
*Age (except the rate cannot vary by more than 3 to 1 for adults); and
*Tobacco use (except the rate cannot vary by more than 1.5 to 1).

[hlthe2b]

1. ^^THis^^

(thanks, SM)

[ScreamingMeemie]

2. You're welcome!

[grantcart]

3. The confusion comes from the verification process.

When you apply they verify who you are. If there is a verification problem they will advise that they have to get a consult with Experian but it is to verify your identity not credit score.

Also the smoking penalty won't affect most smokers:

http://www.healthbeatblog.com/2013/05/the-affordable-care-act-and-the-smokers-penalty/

[ScreamingMeemie]

12. Agreed.

[Sissyk]

4. Thanks you, ScreamingMeemie, for posting this!

It's a shame the lies that are being spread about ACA, and it's always good to see them debunked.

Nobody is being denied health coverage anywhere because of their credit score.

[ScreamingMeemie]

7. Agreed.

It's a bigger shame that they keep getting trotted out here on DU by the "concerned."


It's not my favorite idea, but it's something for some people... and that's a start.

[cali]

5. now if only duers would stop being such suckers.

[russspeakeasy]

6. +1

[ScreamingMeemie]

9. From your mouth to...

[ProSense]

8. Yup, Florida is on the federal exchange

HHS: Florida consumers have significant choice and lower than expected premiums...
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023807982

[BluegrassStateBlues]

10. The ignorance of some of our fellow Americans is astounding...

"EXPERIAN?! Herp derp. I bet a credit check must be required to sign up. Better alert the media!"

[ScreamingMeemie]

11. ...and scary.