Many Philadelphia-area families that qualify for subsidies to help pay for individual health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act will see lower rates — and lower subsidies — in 2019 for two reasons: Competition and subsidy rules.

The subsidies are based on the second-lowest “silver” plan, which this year is Independence Blue Cross’ Personal Choice EPO Silver Reserve. Next year, the second-lowest cost is the less-expensive Centene Ambetter Balanced Care 11.

This is good news for people who have to pay the whole cost themselves. But families that received an income-based subsidy this year and want to keep their plan may find it is much more expensive next year.

What’s the alternative? Come up with a lot more cash, or use the subsidy on a “bronze” plan, which comes with a much higher deductible and other cost-sharing increases.

Many Philadelphia-area families that qualify for subsidies to help pay for individual health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act will see lower rates — and lower subsidies — in 2019 for two reasons: Competition and subsidy rules.

The subsidies are based on the second-lowest “silver” plan, which this year is Independence Blue Cross’ Personal Choice EPO Silver Reserve. Next year, the second-lowest cost is the less-expensive Centene Ambetter Balanced Care 11.

This is good news for people who have to pay the whole cost themselves. But families that received an income-based subsidy this year and want to keep their plan may find it is much more expensive next year.

What’s the alternative? Come up with a lot more cash, or use the subsidy on a “bronze” plan, which comes with a much higher deductible and other cost-sharing increases.