Concerns over how to fix rising premiums with the Affordable Car - WFMJ.com News weather sports for Youngstown-Warren Ohio

Those who buy their health care policies through the Affordable Care Act are expecting yet another significant increase in their premiums.

So what's causing the increase and what will it take to fix the problem?

There's concern that the insurance premiums for the Affordable Care Act or what is commonly referred to as Obamacare will increase by double-digits by next year.  Many are concerned it will be comparable to their mortgages.

Valley Congressman Tim Ryan, who represents Ohio's 13th District and is a Democrat, had this to say, "A lot of people are trying to dismantle the Affordable Care Act and some of the benefits and that's going to have some effect in destabilizing the market."

GOP Candidate Mike Gibbons from Cleveland believes Obama's healthcare plan flatlined from the start. "The premiums are high because the system didn't work.  Insurance companies are losing money.  They're charging people who are not on Obamacare higher premiums and they can't charge enough."

The people most exposed to those double digit premium increases are the middle class because they don't qualify for low-income subsidies.

Congressman Ryan says the Republicans have the power to fix Obamacare and that's exactly what it's going to take, and he says it would be a mistake to repeal it.

"The Republicans are in charge of the Senate, they're in charge of the House of Representatives, and Trump's a Republican President.  They have the ability to fix the problems with Obamacare. They don't have to repeal it because that presents a whole new set of problems," Congressman Ryan said.

Republican Congressman Bill Johnson issued this statement: 

Double digit premium increases aren't a new problem under Obamacare.  Unfortunately, it's the new normal under this failing healthcare system.  It's also not simply an Ohio issue - this trend is nationwide.  And, as Obamacare continues to unravel every day, the problem is getting worse, not better.  I constantly hear from people I represent about continually rising premiums and unaffordable deductibles.

Obamacare has failed to meet the grand promises that accompanied it, and it continues to collapse.  The Senate missed a historic opportunity to reverse the pain that Obamacare has inflicted on the American people and will continue to unless the Senate follows the lead of the House and passes legislation that repeals AND replaces Obamacare with a plan that works for the American people.