White House Declares Obamacare ‘Open for Business’ Amid Rate Hikes

President Obama and the White House sent out an email on Wednesday morning saying the Health Insurance Marketplace is “open for business.”

They urge, “From now through January 31, 2017 … You can head to HealthCare.gov to shop for health plans for 2017 — and get coverage for less than you might think.”

The email, has a link to click on how to “GET COVERED,” and there is a note that “President Obama explains how.”

There are three links to the government’s health insurance website in just one paragraph. It says, “If you don’t have health insurance, or if you’re looking to upgrade your Marketplace plan, you can easily compare plans in the Health Insurance Marketplace right now at HealthCare.gov. In 2017, most people who get coverage on HealthCare.gov can find a plan for less than $75 a month. And people who shop on HealthCare.gov can choose from an average of 30 plans.”

The communique about Obamacare from the president also urges, “Make sure to spread the word to friends and family who don’t have affordable options.” It claims, “Under the Affordable Care Act, America’s uninsured rate has reached a record low, and 20 million adults have gained coverage. But you might know someone who’s looking for the security and peace of mind that comes with quality, affordable health coverage.”

Obamacare rates in Texas, like other states and areas in the nation, are set to skyrocket. They will increase 25 percent in Texas, and 40 percent in other states in 2017, reported Fox 4 News in Dallas in late October. Moreover, “One in five consumers will also have to choose from a single insurer now that some national carriers are stepping back,” and almost 30 percent of the providers will be defecting from the program.

“The program attracted a lot of sick people and we knew that it would. As a consequence, the real cost to insurers has been much higher than when their premiums were recently set,” UTD Clinical Professor of Healthcare Management, John McCracken, Ph.D. told the North Texas television station.

Breitbart News has reported about the huge jumps in costs for the health insurance program in the states, including in Arizona (116 percent), California (13.2 percent), Minnesota (67 percent), North Carolina (25 percent), and Miami’s “Little Havana” (50 percent), as well as other states.

The Texas Tribune reported on August 24 that approximately 1.3 million Texans who purchased health insurance under Obamacare “will likely have fewer, more expensive coverage options in 2017, as health plans continue to announce they will no longer sell their products in Texas.” Blue Cross Blue Shield was reported to be asking for a 60 percent rate hike for Obamacare plans in Texas next year.

Republican President-Elect Donald Trump says his administration will see a repeal and replacement of Obamacare, as reported by Breitbart News. Trump received high praise for his speech on Obamacare while he was in Pennsylvania in early November.

A post-Election Day poll by POLITICO/Morning Consult showed that 74 percent of Republican voters want to repeal Obamacare, as reported by Breitbart News.

Lana Shadwick is a contributing writer and legal analyst for Breitbart Texas. She has served as a prosecutor and associate judge in Texas. Follow her on Twitter @LanaShadwick2.