Health Insurance Exchange Update: Thursday, November 1

The election is just days away, and the health insurance exchange deadline just two weeks away. States all across the U.S. are putting the final touches on their programs. Today we look at Tennessee, Idaho, and California.

In Tennessee, Requirements of the Affordable Care Act of 2010 continue to be implemented, but one provision on the horizon that has customers, insurance companies and regulators concerned is the formation of state health insurance exchanges where individuals and small businesses can purchase health insurance coverage. Everything from the way health insurance is purchased to the amount of risk insurers will soon change, and the state wants to make sure that all of these last minute glitches are taken care of, and above all that the insurance is the best quality and affordable for everyone.  

This week in Idaho, a panel made up of 13 members not only urged the Governor to create a state based exchange, but also gave him a list of recommendations. The 50-page report issued by the group includes data collected by the working group over a series of meetings, which took place over the last few months At the Oct. 26 meeting, the group debated the pros and cons of a state-based exchange, but chose that option over a federally mandated alternative. Panel members felt a federal exchange could be more costly, and less flexible. The governor received the list yesterday and is currently reviewing it before making a decision.  

California is setting up an exchange that is not only state based, but officials say that each region will have a specific plan. The exchange, branded Tuesday as Covered California, will negotiate with insurers for the best rates and will assist consumers and small businesses in choosing a plan by separating them into five categories based on cost and level of benefits. The state is hoping the more options, the better and are doing everything they can to minimize raising the cost of new insurance policies. 

Want to learn more about the health insurance exchange? 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!

Health Insurance Exchange Update: Tuesday, September 18

Now that deadlines are closing in for many aspects of the health insurance exchange, many states are facing challenges in aspects of the exchange - whether it be technical or coverage related.

Vision isn't mandated for coverage in the exchange.  Vision Service Plan in California is also not currently covered in the upcoming California Health Benefit Exchange.  Last month, according to The Sacramento Bee, the board elected to exclude stand-alone vision plans.  VSP, based in Sacramento, has threatened to close it's headquarters and move states should this change.

After the exchanges are created, how will state governments get the word out and encourage citizens to sign up?  California will be teaming up with with popular television show stars to spread the word.  Shows such as Dr. Oz, Grey's Anatomy, and Modern Family will run storyline referencing healthcare according to The Foundry.  Though a California initiative, these story lines will benefit citizens around the country who tune into the shows.

Along with the new coverage for health insurance, citizens are entitled to grants should they be able to quality through the US Government.  In order to qualify those individuals, they'll have access to data from the IRS they haven't previously had access to.  Many states are figuring out how to make the exchanges more robust.  States including Rhode Island have planned on rolling all health services into the exchange.  According to Governing, the lack of access to IRS Information has been one of the things that has kept states and the Obama Administration debating throughout the setup process.

And finally, a Missouri judge found the wording for voting ballots unfair and insufficient.  They will instead use wording that is backed by Republicans.  It was argued that the state is not allowed to deny healthcare to the citizens of Missouri. According to the San Francisco Chronicle If approved by voters, the Missouri ballot measure would bar the governor or other Missouri officials from creating a health insurance exchange without approval from voters or the Legislature.

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!