As we roll into the end of a year that has been utterly brutal on most families, there are more surprises in store for us all beyond Christmas gifts.

Insurance rates have grown even higher than predicted months ago, and most Oklahomans are feeling a little blind-sided by them.

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It's a shame that America survived the COVID-19 period of pandemic and economic hardship, and just when things are mostly back to normal, this happens.

News and media outlets started talking about a potential health insurance increase back during the closing days of summer.

  • Reuters predicted a 5-8.5% increase
  • CNN published a prediction of 8.5%
  • KFF settled on 6%, but as much as 10%
  • Mercer predicted a 5.4%

So far, the average health insurance increase across Oklahoma has been a sharp 32% in premiums plus a steep rise in deductibles in most plans. Even the ACA/Obamacare has jumped substantially beyond early predictions.

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Ironically, that's right in line where my own health insurance landed on the inflation scale this year. As bad as that is, it is even worse for others I know who saw an increase of 48% for the same coverage as last year, but with a nearly-doubled deductible.

This is the hidden cost of working for small companies.

That's what my HR buddy said when we talked about these rate increases the other night.

Working for larger companies like UPS, Walmart, large oil & gas companies, etc... comes with an advantage. Those companies typically handle and fund their own insurance programs with shockingly low monthly costs.

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It makes sense. Even if the pay from the outside looking in isn't the most attractive, billion-dollar companies can afford to retain good employees through great benefits beyond take-home pay.

Earlier in my career, I worked for the biggest radio company in America and you'd be surprised how often the benefits with them come up around the office. Extremely low monthly premiums, zero deductibles, zero copays, etc... But that was fifteen years ago, and a betting man would hedge it's probably not that way anymore under that banner.

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The Fallout.

The lingering effect of this massive jump in health insurance premiums will likely be felt for decades. You know how these things work, nothing ever gets cheaper. Even when costs shrink, rising profits boost the bottom line.

If you're the type to leave your open enrollment on autopilot, because most of us do, it'd be worth checking your benefits before it's too late to make changes to your plan. It's going to hurt, but at least we don't have to read mean tweets.

20 Worst Places To Live In Oklahoma

Contrary to popular belief, Oklahoma is growing. People are seeking a more affordable life, less big city, more room to grow, and the Sooner State fits that bill better than you think.

Our slow and steady growth year-over-year has gotten enough national attention to garner all sorts of new studies in the state, including this one.

Here are the 20 worst places to live in Oklahoma based on cost of living, crime rates, poverty stats, low wage issues, and more.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

Notorious Oklahoma Speed Traps to Avoid

From the random single towns in certain areas to the unrelenting ticketing smorgasbord that is US-69, here is a rundown of the worst Oklahoma speed traps you'll want to avoid in your travels.

Keep in mind that this isn't every speed trap in Oklahoma. 55% of all Oklahoma towns generate at least 10% of their municipal revenue... These are just the overachievers.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

10 Oklahoma Hallmark holiday hometowns you can visit

Looking for someplace special to spend the holidays? The Sooner State has you covered with some of the best towns and cities to get into the Christmas spirit. If you've ever wanted to visit a place that feels like it came out of a Hallmark movie you're in luck. Check out these ten Oklahoma Hallmark holiday hometowns to experience the small-town charm and friendliness of some of Oklahoma's best-known holiday destinations. Each has its own unique traditions and holiday events that will surely get you into the spirit of the season. From amazing lights and displays to performances and festive family fun you'll find in the Sooner State.

Gallery Credit: Don "Critter" Brown

Top 10 Snobbiest Towns & Cities in Oklahoma

Don't shoot the messenger. I'm not calling these places snobby, the internet is. A recent report by Roadsnacks.net identified 10 of the snobbiest towns and cities in Oklahoma. The methodology behind the study used median household incomes, the percentage of the population with college educations, and median home prices in determining just how snobby a town or city is. Most would agree with the results below. Unless you live in one of these places, then you may disagree. Also, keep in mind this list was all done in good fun. Sure there's some truth to the findings but like most places, you'll find both good and bad. Keep scrolling to check out Oklahoma's top 10 snobbiest towns and cities to see if your hometown made the list.

Gallery Credit: Don "Critter" Brown

Top 10 safest towns & cities in Oklahoma

These 10 Oklahoma towns and cities have been ranked and named as the safest in the entire Sooner State. If you're looking for someplace to move, retire or visit and are worried about crime, these are the safest places. They have some of the lowest crime rates in the state, some have the lowest in the Nation according to FBI crime statistics. Most of the cities and towns that made the top 10 safest places year are located in the southwest central portion of the state. One town made it to the top of the list at #1 for its 5th or 6th time.

Gallery Credit: Don "Critter" Brown

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