Health care costs take a big jump

Folks in Sisters have seen their health insurance costs rise swiftly this year.

At least one major carrier in Central Oregon, Providence Health Plans, has announced rate increases that are as high as 33 percent over last year.

Small employers and individuals are feeling the pinch as monthly insurance costs climb from $500 to $700 or more per family, according to Don Fullhart of Sisters Insurance in Sisters.

John Wright of Pacific Source, a non-profit insurance company, said that insurance premiums "going up is a reflection of the cost of medical care. The costs of claims are increasing and carriers are just trying to keep up with the cost of claims."

Wright said that prescription costs in particular are climbing.

"The new drugs do fabulous things, but they are very expensive. There are also new innovations and new technologies, such as MRI machines, with more people going in for these types of procedures."

Non-profits such as Pacific Source may be better able to weather changes in the industry. For-profit companies are more obligated to show results to shareholders and boards of directors. Providence is phasing out its HMO organization, and has closed its Bend office.

But the health insurance rate increases are being felt by everyone, even those who sell insurance. Fullhart's own costs hit $650 month for his family. He has seen costs nearly double over four years.

Those individuals not insured through their place of employment have higher costs as well, according to Fullhart. A single person might pay $170 per month, with a family paying more than $430 per month for insurance.

Those who cannot afford health insurance may qualify for the Oregon Medical Assistance Program, known as the Oregon Health Plan. For more information on the Oregon Health Plan, the toll-free number is 1-800-273-0557.

Fullhart said another option for those who can pay some but not all of their premium is the Family Health Insurance Assistance Program, or FHIAP, where the government pays a portion of the insurance premium.

This program is handled through local insurance agents.

Individuals who don't qualify for a group plan face another hurdle if they have had previous claims.

Those denied because of a preexisting condition may qualify for Oregon Medical Insurance Pool, said Fullhart. This is also handled through local insurance agents.