Town Hall in La Crosse tries to answer healthcare exchange questions

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — The next open enrollment period for the healthcare marketplace is almost here, but many people are concerned with rising costs.

Premiums are expected to rise by an average of 25% nationally next year and one in five people will only have one company to pick from after several providers backed out from the exchange.

However, marketplace experts say a lack of options won’t be something people in our area have to worry about.

“Most of the plans available in this area, Western Wisconsin are still here. Those that you’ve heard about on the media were more national, bigger companies,” said healthcare navigator for Workforce Connections Wanda Palmer.

Open enrollment for this year’s marketplace starts on November 1st.

Plans will be available until the end of January, but have to be bought by December 15th in order to receive coverage to start the new year.