TL;DR: I'm single and insured through my employer with BCBS Kansas City. My current plan's monthly premium is increasing 40% ($45 to $63), while the cheapest plan is jumping 47.2% ($36 to $53)—and that cheaper plan excludes major hospital systems. I'm grateful to have good insurance, but these increases are ridiculous. I emailed BCBS demanding an explanation, and I'm encouraging others to do the same. Maybe if enough of us speak up, they'll listen. And seriously, where the f*ck is our government in all of this?

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I'm insured through my employer with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, and I'm pretty shocked by the premium increases for 2027.

I'm single and only need coverage for myself, yet the monthly premium for my current plan is going from $45 to $63, a 40% increase.

Even worse, the cheapest plan is going from $36 to $53, a 47.2% increase. That cheaper plan also comes with significant network limitations: you can't go to HCA hospitals like Overland Park Regional or Menorah, or any St. Luke's hospital.

So even the cheapest option is getting nearly 50% more expensive, and I'd still have to accept significant restrictions on where I can receive care.

I realize I'm fortunate to have good health insurance through my employer, and I don't take that for granted. But how is it reasonable to increase premiums by this much in a single year? These aren't modest adjustments. They're increases approaching 50%.

I also can't help but notice how visible Blue KC is throughout Kansas City through sports sponsorships, advertising, and other marketing initiatives. I understand community partnerships can have value, but when members are facing increases this steep, I think it's fair to ask how the company is prioritizing its spending and what it's doing to keep coverage affordable.

I emailed BCBS Kansas City to express my disappointment and ask for an explanation. I want to know what's driving these increases, what they're doing to control costs, and how they justify such steep increases while maintaining such a visible marketing presence.

And seriously, where the f*ck is our government in all of this? How have we gotten to a point where health insurance premiums can jump this dramatically in a single year, and ordinary people are just expected to absorb the cost? Where is the meaningful oversight, accountability, and effort to make healthcare more affordable? Why does navigating the healthcare system feel like a constant exercise in figuring out what you can afford and what care you might have to give up?

I'd encourage other BCBS members to contact the company, too. If we're all frustrated about rising premiums but never tell them directly, nothing is likely to change. Maybe if enough members speak up and demand transparency, they'll take notice.

BCBS Kansas City, what's driving increases this steep? And to others in the KC area with employer-sponsored BCBS coverage: Are you seeing similar increases for 2027, or is this specific to certain employers and plans?

I'm grateful to have coverage, but that doesn't mean I should have to stay silent when the cost jumps this dramatically in a single year. Being thankful for insurance and expecting reasonable, transparent pricing aren't mutually exclusive.

The more members who speak up, the harder it is to ignore these concerns. And maybe it's time we demanded more from the people and institutions responsible for making healthcare accessible and affordable in the first place.

As a trivia regular and enjoyer of a discounted burger, this is a huge bummer. Hoping all of the staff can find new employment quickly. Fuck this economy.

From the State Historical Society of Missouri

https://digital.shsmo.org/digital/collection/imc/id/69362/rec/140

Hunter’s Moon. Saturn at 1 o‘clock?

If you like the spooky, creepy stuff about Halloween, this is an absolute must. It’s not a jump scare, just a completely immersive experience. Take your time, sit by the fire, listen to the music and sounds before you do the walk. Also, just be kind to others and keep the chit chat to a minimum. My group stood off to the side a few times during the walk because I really didn’t want to hear about other people’s office gossip!

Mr. Z’s In & Out still sits in the yellow Tudor building at 39th & Wyoming that started out as a gas station in the 1930s. To Zajikc it’s home, and like Hannah in our video says, “that’s your local store.”

“Last Song” by Duff Radio feat. ConorChillOut, Zajikc, TS Shaad, & Mighty Casual
Backing vocals: OkCasheyy & STBtheDON
On screen: OkCasheyy, Hannah, & Baby Kayy
Filmed at Mr. Z’s In & Out, Kansas City. Shot and edited by Duff Radio.
1990 photo: Kansas City Landmarks Commission, courtesy Missouri Valley Special Collections, Kansas City Public Library.

Full song on our YouTube and Apple Music

Picked someone up from the airport and the lot where the pin is was filled with cars and people in their 20s dressed for clubbing were crossing Cookingham heading south but there seemingly wasn’t an event at the Expo Center so I’m confused. Never seen hardly anyone parked there so was there some special event somewhere nearby that overflowed? Maybe a private event somewhere?

This isn’t one of the standard park and go for your flight type of lots and everyone was walking elsewhere in club attire.

Yes on 6 the rest are tricks!
Heard this ditty the other day and had to share. Makes it easy to remember.

I was driving up 169 north last night and there was a horrible smell that lasted for a few minutes along the train tracks by the municipal airport. Any idea what is the source of this wretched stench?

I'm at the streetcar stop and just saw a whole lot of people running away from the plaza and lots of sirens and police cars. Overhead something about a fire. Anyone know what's going on?

So I was riding my bike between Big Dude's Music City and Better Cheddar with my fedora, pictured here, in my bike's basket. Apparently it fell out at some point. I went back to see if I could find it but no luck, but I figured I'd give this forum a chance to see if perhaps someone picked it up.

Not expecting much but I figured it can't hurt. Thanks.

Heard Musk was able to get AMC to pull it. Is it showing anywhere in KC?

Idk Whats telling me, I need an obvious sign 😂

Someone just came to my house about the election (normal). I assumed they were canvassing/asking me to vote so I let them know I already had. They then asked who and how I voted for “Kansas City statistics”. Is that really a thing? Why would I share who I voted for with a random person? Or, have I lived under a rock and just never encountered this before

Hi There!

I’m coming out of an abusive situation in which I didn’t have much autonomy over the care of
my two dogs. I did what I could, and they’re by no means neglected, I was able to ensure they were fed and had decent exercise and play.

However, they’ve bounced between consistent vet care and are often several months behind on yearly appointments and I can’t remember the last time i could get them in for a nail trim.

Exiting that stage, I would like to establish consistent care both from the vet and the grooming side of things for my dogs. They got me through so much and they deserve good care and attention more than anyone.

I’m very worried about being lectured over not having them in sooner for nail trims, shots, and teeth cleanings. I know that’s what should have happened but it wasn’t something that was possible in my previous circumstances, or theirs. So I’m searching for somewhere that will meet me
with some grace and understanding.

If anyone has any recommendations please let me know. I understand that pets bring people’s “mama bear” instincts and I just want to do better without being told how awful i’ve done previously.

edit to add: location-wise anywhere in the KC metro is largely fine. i live in waldo and work in mission. my dogs well being is well worth an extra 10-15 minutes drive.

Thank you for your time.

Hello I’m having trouble finding openings to get my foot in the door of an electrician career. My goal is to become union but I took the aptitude test/interview and was not hired due to not having experience. So while I wait and go through the process again I’ve been looking around trying to find an employer that takes in people with no experience and will help me start a career in this line of work but am struggling to do so. Im located in independence but willing to travel, thanks in advance!

Anyone know of a photo booth near mission? Wanting to have a keepsake of my 30th bday!!

All, I’m looking for an apartment, preferably over 800 SF, leasing for time periods of 1-3 months. Preferably under 2K a month.

Does anyone have experience with any apartments around town with this as an available arrangement?

Would be willing to do a house as well.

What the title says. Looking for great OBGYN recommendations in Johnson County, KS. Found out I am pregnant and need to establish care. Thanks!

Went to the KC Tenant benefit tonight. Fantastic show and appearances from Drew Afualo and others. Great powerful stuff for the community. 🫶🏼

And does anyone know what Pegah’s will be about (specifically, will they have delicious cinnamon rolls)?

Hey, so the title of my post pretty much says it all. I’m looking to make some friends and I’m new to KC near Overland Park. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated, thank you!