The first ten graphs were about the premium increases expected (based on initial insurer bids, which are about as reliable as opening bids in home negotiations) in various states, with some contrasting information on states like California and New York where premiums look to go down.

Calculating premium rates is a complicated and tedious task that will vary greatly among states and is open to interpretation and manipulation by both supporters and opponents of President Obama’s health care law. Generalities are particularly hard to draw, as the law will impact Americans differently: the new regulations will lead some younger people to may pay more than they’re contributing now, but will save older and sicker people hundreds, if not thousands of dollars a month.

Still, since Republicans are politically motivated to portray the proposed premium increases in a negative light and the media is far more interested in sensational claims about Obamacare failing, coverage of the new rates often leads readers with the mistaken perception that the law is coming off the tracks. Below is a short guide that will help you identify if someone is misrepresenting how much premiums will increase under Obamacare:

ObamaCare Myth: Obamacare Means Higher Premiums

One of the most wide spread ObamaCare myths is that ObamaCare increases insurance premiums. While many Americans have seen their health insurance premiums rise since the passing of the new health care law, blaming "ObamaCare" is an over simplification of the truth. ObamaCare actually stops insurance companies from raising premiums on sick people and people with preexisting conditions. It also adds a number of consumer protections and cost-cutting measures that help to decrease the growing rate of health insurance.

One of the major aims of the program is to make insurance more affordable the tens of millions of Americans who could not previously afford insurance. One of the ways ObamaCare helps to lower insurance premiums is by letting low and middle income Americans shop for health insurance on the "insurance exchanges", an online market where healthcare providers offer affordable quality healthcare to compete to be your healthcare provider.

A recent CBO report shows that ObamaCare is projected to lower most Americans insurance premiums by 5 - 7%. That being said some Americans, especially families above the 400% FLP mark are projected to pay more for insurance as are those who purchase high-cost plans. Regardless of this, the average cots of insurance is going down, while the rate at which costs are rising is being curbed.

Despite the best intensions and consumer protections offered by the new health care law (such as insurance companies being required to justify rate hikes of a certain amount to the State for approval), it has not prevented insurance companies are raising rates to compensate for costly aspects of the program such preexisting conditions reform.

What Will ObamaCare Cost Me?

It has been estimated that a basic "bronze" level health care plan is estimated to cost the Average American between $4,500 - $5,800 without cost assistance. Please be aware costs can vary greatly depending on a number of factors including location, health status and age. The bronze plan covers 60% of out of pocket health care costs and offers basic coverage. Plans range from the basic "Bronze" (60%) to "Silver" (70%) more expensive "Gold" (80%) and "Platinum" (90%) level plans. High-end plans carry a 40% excise tax which helps pay for the program.

How Much Does ObamaCare Cost The Average American?

The cost of ObamaCare plans depend on a number of factors including: the market your purchasing insurance in, your health status, the quality of the plan and your income, to name a few. Plans range from bare-bones "Bronze" plans to high-end "Platinum" plans. "Bronze" plans for individuals are expected to cost between $4,500 and $5,800 a year in 2016. But if you make less than 4 times the Federal poverty line ($11,170 in 2012), you’ll pay less by virtue of receiving tax credits. Someone making up to 133% of the FPL will get credits so that his net payment will be only 2% of income, while those making 300% to 400% of FPL will pay 9.5% of FPL.

Please note that while ObamaCare regulates insurance companies, you will still be purchasing private insurance (unless you choose to pay the penalty or are covered under Medicaid/Medicare).

How ObamaCare Affects Health Insurance Premiums

ObamaCare Insurance premiums are a sore subject with many readers; however, ObamaCare insurance premium increases are a response to the protections offered by ObamaCare. The primary cause of the insurance premium rate hikes seems to be the mandate to cover high-risk consumers, such as Americans with pre-existing conditions. ObamaCare is insurance reform aimed at making insurance more affordable, it actually enacts a number of provisions to protect consumers against insurance premium rate hikes.

Let's take a look at ObamaCare insurance premiums, why your provider may be raising your rates and how to acquire Affordable health insurance that is protected under the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare).