Blue Cross warns of higher exchange premiums if politicians change Obamacare rules

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois has not decided whether it will continue to offer plans on the Obamacare exchange next year, but if it does, exchange plan prices could rise "significantly" depending on political leaders' actions, according to the company.

Jill Wolowitz, the insurer's vice president of government and community relations, said Tuesday the insurer hopes to continue to offer plans on the exchange next year, but several proposed changes "would have an impact on rates and also our decision."

Insurers have until June 21 to file proposed rates if they plan to stay on the Illinois exchange in 2018.

Some insurers already have bowed out of exchanges in other parts of the country, amid uncertainty over the future of the Affordable Care Act. If Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois were to pull out, it would be a big deal: The insurer is the only one that offers individual PPO plans, not just HMO plans, on the exchange this year.

Read more: http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-blue-cross-premiums-0426-biz-20170425-story.html