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Americans repeatedly say their top health care reform priority is lowering the cost of health coverage. In an analysis conducted by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), health insurance premiums for many families would be nearly $5,000 more expensive under Democrats’ bill compared to those in the Republicans’ plan.   

CBO estimated that the Republican bill would reduce health insurance premiums for those who do not have access to employer-provided coverage by up to 8 percent, for employees who get coverage through a small business (50 or fewer employees) by up to 10 percent, and for employees who get coverage through a large business (more than 50 employees) by up to 3 percent.  

According to CBO, average annual health care premiums for families who do not have access to employer-provided health care would be $11,000 in 2016 if Congress does not pass a health reform bill.  Under the Democrats’ bill, CBO predicts these premiums would actually increase to $15,000, and that’s for the Democrats’ cheapest insurance plan!

Given that CBO predicts the GOP bill would reduce expected premiums in 2016 by up to 8 percent, this would mean the annual premium for the cheapest plan under the Democrats’ bill ($15,000) would be nearly $5,000 more expensive than those under the GOP bill ($10,120).  Incidentally, CBO says the Democrats’ “cheapest” plan is unlikely to attract many families, meaning average premiums would be even higher in the Democrats’ exchange.

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