Health Insurance Exchange Update: Tuesday, October 16

Today, we take a look at some of the factors surrounding the health insurance exchanges.  It's becoming more apparent that companies are finding exchanges a useful tool to distribute health insurance exchanges to their employees.  Others are looking at it as a useful opportunity to collect data to assess certain populations who haven't had extensive health insurance coverage.

Utah has been quiet on it's plans for expanding Medicaid and the future of their exchange.  Governor Herbert has been silent about the state's plans thus far.  While they have an exchange  there are no announced plans to change it to conform with the federal exchange plans or partner with the government to ffer an exchange.  The article at the Salt Lake City Tribune is also the first article that's said the deadline to declare an exchange could possibly be pushed back to December 1.

At the Center For American Progress, they look at the new data that health insurance exchanges will bring in for some populations that have been previously underserved populations, in this particular case, the LGBT population.  They point out that by collecting data on this new population, trends can be identified to develop better healthcare and prevention plans for the population.

The insurance offered by companies may also be transforming into an exchange as well.  According to PYMNTs.com, if companies offer their employees exchanges, they are better able to manage benefit costs and give their employees more power in choosing a plan that will benefit their needs and budget.

Want to learn more about the health insurance exchange? This November, the Health Insurance Exchange Congress will be held November 13-14, 2012 in Chicago, IL.  Here, state officials and health plans with the only opportunity to come together to discuss PPACA and strategize on how to make this a successful opportunity for all.  For more information on this year's agenda, download the program here.  As a reader of this blog, when you register to join us and mention code XP1710BLOG, you'll receive 15% off the standard rate!