It was the first day of open enrollment for plans for 2017 under the Affordable Care Act and Floridians are looking at a hefty price increase.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, premiums in the Sunshine State are set to go up by as much as 27 percent. Other states are looking much worse. Oklahoma is looking at a 75% increase.
"Prices have gone up," said Joseph Gannon, president of Obamacare Enrollment Center in Hollywood. "But you still have good plans for good prices here. In other states, that's just not the case."
With so many different plans and different carriers, many customers prefer to talk to an enrollment specialist in person to help them make the best decision.
Lyne Holue will lose her coverage on Dec 31st because her current carrier dropped out of the market, leaving only three to choose from and leaving her unsure where to turn.
"I don't know what's going to happen," Holue said.
At the enrollment center in Hollywood, experts are helping chose the right plan by looking at three key factors.
"Pricing, the plan and the network," Gannon said. "You really have to find a good combination of all three and that's not so easy. The plan might look good but there might not be a doctor in your area."
For many Floridians, including Holue, another rise in premiums is a heavy financial burden.
"I'm wondering: Do I need to get another job?," Holue said.
For more information on where to find help with the enrollment process visit this website. The Obamacare Enrollment Center in Hollywood has several different locations and then also offer help over the phone. Go to their website or call them at 877-962-8332.
