It's because health insurance companies need to pad their profits. Because we have a backward system in the US where profits are extracted by everyone without any competition from a not-for-profit. That's why the idea of a public option is so popular (it was originally a Republican idea until it was decided insurance company profits are more desirable). Personally, I don't think any health insurance company should be for-profit. But the for-profit companies sure as hell should have a non-profit competition with the same bargaining power they do.
Most (and the biggest) BCBS licensees are for-profit. Kaiser is not but is still eye wateringly expensive. For me, a silver plan will be about $700-800 next year. And then you take a look at what a bronze plan covers…
This is correct. BCBS is for profit and most others are. Kaiser Foundation Health Plan is one of the few not for profit insurances and only available in 8 states.
Yeah, some individual states do have not for profit, and it does help. These are the vast minority of states. That's why it should be available nationwide as a public option.
