Missourians Advised To Resist Health Care Law

Over the past few months the government has been spending millions on advertising to create awareness for the upcoming Health Insurance Marketplace, which opens for enrollment on October 1st. The new marketplace will help millions of Americans customize a healthcare plan that best suits their needs. Although open enrollment is less than a week away, some state officials continue to discourage residents in participating.

Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder has a message for the thousands of Missourians looking for health insurance: Don't get it through an online marketplace that launches next week. "I would hope there would be active resistance to this law — that people would not sign up," Kinder said Monday. 

Later today President Obama and Bill Clinton will meet to discuss the value of the new exchange. With open enrollment just days away, how many people do you think will purchase their plan through an online marketplace?

Want to learn more about the future of the marketplace? At IIR's HIX Reloaded, we'll help you shape your strategy for the ever evolving marketplace. To learn more, download our agenda.

As a reader of this blog you'll receive 15% off the standard rate when you use code XP1810BLOG to register. We hope to see you November 14-16 in Baltimore, MD!

Arkanasas Insurance Department unveils premiums

Arkansas Insurance Department has been evaluating premiums for quite some time, concluding they would vary by age, the size of the family, tobacco usage and geography. However, the premiums are actually lower than what was originally projected. The state will provide three separate plans - bronze, silver, and gold.

Arkansas Insurance Commissioner Jay Bradford announced premium rates for the 71 qualified health insurance plans that will be sold on the individual market in the new Health Insurance Marketplace. The qualified Health Plan issuers offering plans are Celtic Insurance Company d/b/a Arkansas Health and Wellness Solutions, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Multi-State, and QCA Health Plans, Inc. d/b/a QualChoice Health Insurance of Arkansas.

The plans will be sold on the Health Insurance Marketplace beginning October 1st. Examples of the premium rates can be found here.

Want to learn more about the future of the marketplace? At IIR's HIX Reloaded, we'll help you shape your strategy for the ever evolving marketplace. To learn more, download our agenda.

As a reader of this blog you'll receive 15% off the standard rate when you use code XP1810BLOG to register. We hope to see you November 14-16 in Baltimore, MD!

Complimentary HIX Webinar: Partnering with Stakeholders for Health Reform Outreach

It’s getting closer and closer—your opportunity to rapidly increase membership by participating in your state’s health insurance exchange is just around the corner. Your opportunity to grow enrollment is dependent on how educated potential new members are, and given the timelines you need to educate community members now. Based on the compressed timelines, I wanted to remind you to sign up for the complimentary HIX webinar on: Identifying and Engaging Stakeholders in Health Reform Outreach taking place this Wednesday, September 18, 2013 from 2:00PM-3:00PM EST featuring John Lovelace President, Government Programs and Individual Advantage, UPMC Health Plan.

This webinar will cover strategies to:

• Increase awareness of the general public in regards to health insurance marketplaces
• Develop understanding of how the Health Insurance Marketplace will work in your state(s)
• Identify what information consumers need in order to make informed decisions
• Understand the role of Navigators, Certified Applications Counselors and others who can assist consumers in enrollment

And more!

Space is limited, register today!

To learn more about HIX Reloaded, download our agenda. We hope to see you November 14-15 in Baltimore, MD! 

Maryland launches campaign to help promote new marketplace

Maryland is the latest state to launch a health care campaign using television, radio, and print ads, to help promote, educate, and encourage consumers to sign up for health insurance coverage. The state's new insurance marketplace, The Maryland Health Connection, opens October first and will allow residents to compare plans, and also help them determine their eligibility for subsidies.

The state is spending $2.5 million on the campaign through the end of 2014, and hopes to attract nearly 300,000 people to buy health insurance or sign up for expanded government coverage over that time. Health officials said they expected the ads to be an efficient and effective method to educate state residents about the opportunities in a way that grabs their attention and is understandable.

Do you think advertisements will be the most effective way to promote the new marketplace?

Want to learn more about the future of the marketplace? At IIR's HIX Reloaded, we'll help you shape your strategy for the ever evolving marketplace. Crowdsource the agenda by voting on what you need to know to ensure success when coverage starts on January 1, 2014.

To learn more, download our agenda. As a reader of this blog you'll receive 15% off the standard rate when you use code XP1810BLOG to register. We hope to see you November 14-16 in Baltimore, MD!

Register today for our HIX Webinar: Identifying and Engaging Stakeholders in Health Reform Outreach

Approximately half of people eligible for health insurance exchanges don't know what exchanges are, or that they're eligible. With enrollment beginning on October 1, it's all hands on deck to educate consumers on exchanges and how to enroll. The government and health plans are working together for this effort, and one of the most successful ways to connect with potential enrollees is to work with community based organizations that have established trust with members of the community. This includes working with faith-based groups, local libraries, health care, behavioral health, and human service providers, and many other groups who have contact with potentially eligible enrollees.

DATE: September 18, 2013 TIME: 2:00PM-3:00PM EST

SPEAKER:  John Lovelace, President, Government Programs and Individual Advantage, UPMC Health Plan

Mr. Lovelace is President of UPMC for You, a managed care organization that serves Medical Assistance and Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan recipients in 40 counties in Pennsylvania.

COST: Complimentary

This webinar will cover strategies to:
• Increase awareness of the general public in regards to health insurance marketplaces
• Develop understanding of how the Health Insurance Marketplace will work in your state(s)
• Identify what information consumers need in order to make informed decisions
• Understand the role of Navigators, Certified Applications Counselors and others who can assist consumers in enrollment

And more!

Space is limited, reserve your seat today!

Want to learn more about this year’s HIX Reloaded event? Download our agenda. As a reader of this blog, mention code XP1810BLOG when registering to save 15% off of the standard rate. Questions? Feel free to email Kate Devery (KDevery@IIRUSA.com) or visit our homepage.

We look forward to seeing you November 14-15 in Baltimore, MD!

Cheers,
The HIX Reloaded Team

HIX Reloaded Homepage
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on Linkedin

P.S. – Don’t forget to vote for the 2013 HIX Reloaded Agenda Topics!

Cover Oregon Releases New Online Ads

This week, Oregon's new marketplace, Cover Oregon unveiled 3 new health insurance ads to help promote awareness for their upcoming open enrollment, which begins in just 35 days. Each ad focuses briefly on comparing, coverage options, and savings. What do you think of online ads to help promote and educate consumers on the upcoming health insurance marketplace?



Want to learn more about the future of the marketplace? At IIR's HIX Reloaded, we'll help you shape your strategy for the ever evolving marketplace. Crowdsource the agenda by voting on what you need to know to ensure success when coverage starts on January 1, 2014.

To learn more, download our agenda. As a reader of this blog you'll receive 15% off the standard rate when you use code XP1810BLOG to register. We hope to see you November 14-16 in Baltimore, MD!

Collaboration is King at IIR's HIX Reloaded, Vote Today!

With so many people having a stake in health insurance exchanges and expectations and regulations rapidly evolving, collaboration amongst stakeholders will continue to play an important role in ensuring deadlines are met and enrollment and care management go as smoothly as possible. Join industry leaders share how they've been working with, and will continue to work with, key stakeholders at IIR's HIX Reloaded, taking place November 14-15 in Baltimore, MD.

Hear the Partnership Model Perspective: Rita M. Landgraf, Cabinet Secretary, Delaware Department of Health and Social Services

Rita Landgraf was sworn in as Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services on Jan. 22, 2009. As Secretary, she leads the principal agency charged with keeping Delawareans healthy, ensuring they get the health care they need, and providing children, families, and seniors with the essential human services they depend on. She also oversees one of the largest departments in the Delaware government, with an annual budget of more than $1 billion.

Hear the State-Led Exchange Perspective: Tequila Terry, Director of Plan and Partner Management, Maryland Health Benefit Exchange

Tequila Terry joined the MHBE as the Director of Plan and Partner Management in February 2012. She is responsible for establishing, cultivating and maintaining relationships with commercial medical and dental insurance carriers, cooperatives, managed care organizations (MCOs), insurance producers and third-party administrators (TPAs).

And the best part-you have the power to vote on which topic in the "Collaboration is King" category these speakers discuss. Choose from:

A. States Collaborating with Health Plans
B. Hospitals & Health Plans Collaborating to Decrease Costs
C. Pharma's Role on Exchanges

To learn more, download our agenda.

As a reader of this blog,  you'll receive 15% off the standard rate when you use code XP1810BLOG to register. For more information about the event, visit our homepage. We look forward to seeing you November 14-15 in Baltimore, MD.

Alaska Insurance Company Worried About the Uncertainty of New Market Place

Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield, the largest provider in the state of Alaska, is one of two insurers that will offer coverage under the federally run marketplace. The President of the company, Jeff Davis, is accepting the fact that things may not run as smoothly the first time around. Davis has also acknowledged, and prepared for the possibility of the company losing a substantial amount of money the first year. Although Premera will be increasing the number of consumers they're currently insuring, it will take some time before they can reap the benefits of expansion.

The new law has provisions, like open enrollment periods, to help lessen the impact. But Davis thinks the first wave of people to sign up on the marketplace will have significant health problems. Then he expects healthier people will follow, especially those who qualify for subsidies. In Alaska, that’s anyone who makes less than $57,000 a year. But for those without subsidies, individual insurance could be quite costly. Premera says most rates it filed to offer on the marketplace are higher than its current plans. Davis explains the policies are required to have better benefits and smaller deductibles than the most popular plans today. 

How else will the new marketplace affect both businesses and consumers? How are other states preparing for their first year? 

Want to learn more about the future of the marketplace? At IIR's HIX Reloaded, we'll help you shape your strategy for the ever evolving marketplace. Crowdsource the agenda by voting on what you need to know to ensure success when coverage starts on January 1, 2014.

To learn more, download our agenda. As a reader of this blog you'll receive 15% off the standard rate when you use code XP1810BLOG to register. We hope to see you November 14-16 in Baltimore, MD!

Connect for Health Colorado Announces Health Insurance Rates

This week, Colorado announced the state's rates using their marketplace, Connect for Colorado. The state is providing over 242 plans, and officials are advising consumers to shop around to see which plan best suits their health care needs. Just as no person is alike, either are the premiums, and the deductibles tend to vary, that's why it's important to educate and explore all possible plans before choosing the right one.

The companies will offer plans at four levels -- bronze, silver, gold, and platinum -- plus catastrophic coverage. However, not every plan is available at every level. On average, bronze plans will cover 60% of your costs. Silver, gold, and platinum plans will cover 70%, 80%, and 90% of costs. Catastrophic plans have lower premiums but higher deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.

Consumers that are already insured or on Medicare wont be affected by the new marketplace. Which marketplace do you think will run smoother, federal or state?

Want to learn more about the future of the marketplace? At IIR's HIX Reloaded, we'll help you shape your strategy for the ever evolving marketplace. Crowdsource the agenda by voting on what you need to know to ensure success when coverage starts on January 1, 2014. To learn more, download our agenda.

As a reader of this blog you'll receive 15% off the standard rate when you use code XP1810BLOG to register. We hope to see you November 14-16 in Baltimore, MD!

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Launches New Educational Health Care Wesbite

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee launched a new website to help educate and explain the benefits of health insurance to first-time purchasers. The site covers everything from selecting the right benefits to financial planning. Their target audience? Millennials.

"Our research showed that all ages and demographics valued health insurance and want to have it, but many have the perception that they can't afford it," said Carla Raynor, vice president of strategic marketing for BlueCross. "But millennials in particular wanted an online resource for education that they could access at their convenience. This website will help them prepare to make important coverage decisions in October when they can make their selections."

Researchers also found that consumers wanted more resources available. Aside from simplifying the language, what are some other ways state officials can improve the process of helping consumers choose the best health care?

Want to learn more about the future of the marketplace? At IIR's HIX Reloaded, we'll help you shape your strategy for the ever evolving marketplace. Crowdsource the agenda by voting on what you need to know to ensure success when coverage starts on January 1, 2014.

To learn more, download our agenda. As a reader of this blog you'll receive 15% off the standard rate when you use code XP1810BLOG to register. We hope to see you November 14-16 in Baltimore, MD!

North Carolina creates Health Care Coaltion to prepare for Affordable Care Act

State officials in North Carolina may not agree with 'Obamacare', a segment of the health care reform act passed by Congress in 2010, but they are doing everything in their power to make sure they are prepared for October 1st. There are less than two months to organize, so what is the solution?

The resulting coalition is called the Federal Marketplace Stakeholder Leadership Group and its members are brainstorming ways that will make the upcoming health care reform roll-out go as smoothly as possible. Four insurance companies will be offering South Carolina residents options to purchase a plan through the federal marketplace.

The state is heading in the right direction, meeting with health insurance companies, as well as setting up a directory for residents to direct their questions to, but will that be enough?

Want to learn more about the future of the marketplace? At IIR's HIX Reloaded, we'll help you shape your strategy for the ever evolving marketplace. Crowdsource the agenda by voting on what you need to know to ensure success when coverage starts on January 1, 2014.

To learn more, download our agenda. As a reader of this blog you'll receive 15% off the standard rate when you use code XP1810BLOG to register. We hope to see you November 14-16 in Baltimore, MD!

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina create offices to educate residents for the ACA

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina opened the state's first office to help educate and eventually, enroll consumers who will be shopping for new insurance policies this October. Under the Affordable Care Act, all residents are required to have coverage, for some this will be the first time so the state is hoping that these offices will provide some guidance in choosing the right healthcare.

The North Carolina company also hauls an air-conditioned showroom trailer to fairs and farmers markets to reach out to the estimated 600,000 people who will be newly shopping for individual policies – some of them subsidized by the government for consumers who might have trouble affording a policy. Many of the individual policies will be sold on a statewide Internet marketplace designed to make buying coverage comparable to finding a hotel room or rental car.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association launched an informational campaign last month with Walgreens to help provide people in other states with the material they need to help them make a decision. Many other health plans are setting up in malls, grocery stores, and pharmacies across the U.S. to help educate people. What do you think is the best way to connect?

Want to learn more about the future of the marketplace? At IIR's HIX Reloaded, we'll help you shape your strategy for the ever evolving marketplace. Crowdsource the agenda by voting on what you need to know to ensure success when coverage starts on January 1, 2014. To learn more, download our agenda.

As a reader of this blog you'll receive 15% off the standard rate when you use code XP1810BLOG to register. We hope to see you November 14-16 in Baltimore, MD!

Understanding the fundamentals of health insurance

According to recent studies, most Americans still don't understand what will happen to their health insurance when the Affordable Care Act (ACA) goes into effect this fall.  The ACA is meant to expand your current options of health care, not limit them, so which decision is the right one?

Previous research has shown that competition at the consumer level is only likely to result in reduced prices and improved quality when sufficient numbers of consumers make informed decisions. The study led by Loewenstein shows that consumers do not understand health insurance and therefore casts doubt on whether they will make the best decisions under the ACA.


Want to learn more about the future of the marketplace? At IIR's HIX Reloaded, we'll help you shape your strategy for the ever evolving marketplace. Crowdsource the agenda by voting on what you need to know to ensure success when coverage starts on January 1, 2014. To learn more, download our agenda.

As a reader of this blog you'll receive 15% off the standard rate when you use code XP1810BLOG to register. We hope to see you November 14-16 in Baltimore, MD!

Vote Now to Shape the HIX Reloaded Agenda

Get ready, get set—it’s crunch time! With enrollment beginning in October and coverage starting on January 1, there’s not much time for you to create a marketing campaign, build out your network as necessary, ensure your IT systems are compatible, and do everything else you need to do before exchanges are live. You need to prepare, but there are so many questions it’s hard to know where to start. Wouldn’t it be great to hear from HIX early entrants on all three model perspectives—and what they’ve learned so far—so you are fully prepared for what may lie ahead?

Look no further! IIR’s HIX Reloaded taking place November 14-15 in Baltimore, MD, is here to help.

WHAT YOU NEED
Answers to your most pressing questions, presented by health plans who are ahead of the rest when it comes to preparing for exchange implementation.

HOW YOU WILL GET IT
By telling us what you need to know and helping us crowdsource the agenda. Tell us—and the confirmed health plan and government speakers—what you need to know by voting on topics that overcome your company’s evolving marketplace challenges.

VOTE TODAY

Want to learn more? Download our agenda. As a reader of this blog, mentioned code XP1810BLOG when registering to save 15% off of the standard rate. Questions about the event? Feel free to email Kate Devery (KDevery@IIRUSA.com) or check out our homepage.

We look forward to seeing you November 14-15 in Baltimore, MD!

Cheers,
The HIX Reloaded Team

HIX Reloaded Homepage
Follow us on Twitter
Join us on Linkedin

The All-New HIX Experience

IIR is proud to introduce an all-new event experience HIX Reloaded formerly known as Health Insurance Exchange Congress, taking place on November 14-15 in Baltimore.

HIX RELOADED HAS EVOLVED. As health insurance exchanges evolved over the past year, so have your needs. Your peers told us that we needed to take our Health Insurance Exchange (HIX) Congress to the next level. Due to the many uncertainties surrounding the new marketplaces, your peers told us that you need answers to questions you may not have crystalized, but don’t have a reputable source to go to for the experts and insights you crave.

WHY ATTEND HIX RELOADED? HIX Reloaded directly addresses these concerns by involving health plan experts and government officials from 13 states to come together and discuss early lessons learned, anticipate future enrollment and tackle coverage challenges. And they’ll know what to discuss because you’re going to help us crowdsource the agenda. Based on your input, we’ll include topics that are the most relevant and timely so you can implement the best exchange strategy for your organization.

VOTE HERE

Want to learn more? Download our agenda.

As a reader of this blog, mention code XP1810BLOG when registering to save 15% off of the standard rate. Questions about the event? Feel free to email Kate Devery (KDevery@IIRUSA.com) or check out our homepage.

We look forward to seeing you November 14-15 in Baltimore, MD!

Cheers,
The HIX Reloaded Team

HIX Reloaded Homepage
Follow us on Twitter
Join us on Linkedin