(Originally posted on ocj.com | Image from ocj.com)
By: Matt Reese
As health insurance costs rise, more consider shared health programs
It is the time of year when thoughts turn to the joys of giving, family, and unfortunately in recent years, rising health insurance costs.
Around Ohio, those who are self-employed or working at a small business are getting the news that their health insurance premiums will be getting another healthy increase for 2018. Ohioans purchasing health insurance through the Affordable Care Act will see average premium increases of 34% in 2018, according to the Ohio Department of Insurance. In addition, the insurance policies might not cover certain providers and may have higher co-pays. There will also be a shorter period to enroll in plans this year in some cases with a deadline of Dec. 15, compared to last year’s enrollment deadline of Jan. 31.
The growing health insurance frustration of many people in rural Ohio has them searching for other options, including Christian medical cost sharing programs. Michelle and Mitchell Stammen of Mercer County made the decision to switch after Michelle left a corporate job that gave their family of four very good insurance, and started working from home. Mitchell’s full-time occupation is operating the family’s grain and cattle farm.