Open enrollment for Obamacare begins November 1 this year, less than a week before the presidential election.  Industry analysts are warning consumers to be prepared for sticker shock; double-digit rate increases on premiums are likely. For most of this summer, insurance companies will be asking state regulators for huge increases in Obamacare insurance premoiums.  States may not grant as much as companies would like, which leaves insurance firms with a decision.  Almost all companies are bleeding red ink, and it's up in the air whether many of them can afford to remain on the exchanges if they don't get the rate hikes they seek. Politico: “I think a lot of insurance carriers expected red ink, but they didn’t expect this much red ink,” said Greg Scott, who oversees Deloitte’s health plans practice. "... A number of carriers need double-digit increases.” In some ways, the turmoil is not surprising: Under the health...(Read Full Post)