My health ins. renewal. For men: $387/mo. For women: $514./mo

[Lex]

This is in NC and is a Blue Cross/Blue Shield GROUP plan for a single person in the 45-49 age range.

After "Obamacare" is implemented, the rates will have to be the same (many states already have this rule, NC does not) for men and women--the risk is spread throughout for men & women.

Oh, and for the first time in 20 years of having this insurance plan, my premium went DOWN on the yearly renewal. It went from $579.00 to $514.00, even though I'm in the same age range as the year before.

I'll be glad when the 2014 Affordable Insurance Exchanges are set to go into effect. Blue Cross may lose me as a customer then when I'll have many more choices.

I own a small business and I am in a Blue Cross group plan with other of the same in the profession. I do wish we had universal health care--that would be my preference.

[CatWoman]

1. why does NC not have the rate rule?

[Lex]

2. Several states don't.

But it will soon because of "Obamacare." And I think it's the right thing.

[Posteritatis]

3. I can't wrap my head around either of those rates. Gah. (nt)

[Lex]

4. One thing that will help small businesses is to lessen the burden

of health insurance premiums--not more of Bush's and Rmoney's 'tax cuts.'

[SickOfTheOnePct]

5. The only thing that will lessen the burden on small businesses

Is if they drop coverage completely and pay the tax, but that won't necessarily be good for the employees.

[Lex]

6. I believe I (and many others) will get a much better rate in 2014

when the Exchanges go into effect. Right now I'm being gouged by BCBS.