A recent report shows that Milwaukee has the fifth-highest health insurance premiums among large cities across the country. We explore why prices are so high. We also learn why the Capital Times has disabled comments on its website, and we discuss the news that Governor Walker is considering giving more autonomy to the UW System.
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Report: Milwaukee Health Insurance Premiums Are Among Highest In U.S.
On average, Milwaukee has some of the most expensive health insurance premiums in the country, according to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Milwaukee ranks as the fifth most-expensive among the largest cities in each state, at an average of $333 a month for a silver plan, which is the suggested level of coverage under the Affordable Care Act. By comparison, Minneapolis is the third-cheapest city at $183 a month. The overall cheapest is Albuquerque, N.M., at only $171 a month.
The study examined rates for a 40-year-old non-smoker who makes $30,000 a year, and looked at rates for both subsidized and unsubsidized premiums.
Milwaukee’s high ranking baffled Michael Mahoney, vice president of consumer marketing for GoHealth, a website that matches people with health insurance plans. Rural cities typically make up the most expensive ranks because there is little competition in their areas.
“But, Milwaukee is neither rural nor is their a little bit of competition — there’s a lot,” Mahoney said. “There’s 15 insurers that represent over 150 plans in the area. So, there’s a lot of choice. So it is very curious that it is one of the highest and most expensive areas in the nation.”
To alleviate the high cost, Mahoney said it’s important that a person get a subsidy if they’re eligible since it can substantially make premiums less expensive.
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Governor Walker Says He Is Considering More Autonomy For The UW System
Governor Scott Walker acknowledged Monday that he is considering allowing more autonomy for the UW System. While details probably won’t emerge until the governor’s budget address in early February, an education reporter discusses what more autonomy could mean.
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Milwaukee Has 5th Most Expensive Health Insurance Premiums Among American Cities, Report Shows
According to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation, on average Milwaukee has some of the most expensive health insurance premiums in the country. A health expert from GoHealth explains why that is.
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The Capital Times Decides To No Longer Allow Comments On Their Website
The Capital Times newspaper in Madison just stopped allowing comments on their online articles. The editor explains why the paper made this decision and how it’s affected readers so far.
Episode Credits
- Rob Ferrett Host
- Veronica Rueckert Host
- Galen Druke Producer
- Amanda Magnus Producer
- Michael Mahoney Guest
- Dan Simmons Guest
- Paul Fanlund Guest
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