A July 7 article in the Raleigh News & Observer reported that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is eligible for nearly $295 million in federal reimbursements under the Affordable Care Act and seemed to question why, in light of this money, the company is seeking another rate increase from the state.
BCBS responded with a letter to the editor and provided information on their blog explaining that the federal funds do not make up the gap in the cost of care.
“It boils down to the fact that ACA customers are sicker and use more health care than individual customers historically have — and more than anyone projected. We’re seeing costs go even higher as more people with more health problems seek more medical care. That’s why we had to request a significant rate increase for next year’s ACA business,” the blog post states.
