Health Insurance Exchange Update: Monday, October 15

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Many states are still left at a loss with what the government would like from them in terms of creating their exchanges.  Others are left wondering how to finance their exchanges after the government stops the grants in 2016.

In Minnesota, they've estimated the cost of running an exchange per year is approximately $40 million. With grants, they've been fine reaching that amount.  However, after the government quits giving out grants, the state government is left trying to figure out how to finance it.  According to MPR, the $40 million estimate does not include the amount of money to compensate the insurance brokers, which could add to that number.

Pennsylvania has announced that the likelihood of creating a state run exchange is now slim.  They had originally intended to create an exchange, but did not receive answers from the government as to specifics of the exchange.  They're not alone, 22 other states have signed up for exchange groups with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners according to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.

Fox Business provides an in-depth look at where the Presidential candidates stand on healthcare reform.

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!

Health Insurance Exchange Update: Tuesday, August 28

Virgin Islands Flag

In today's Health Insurance Exchange Update, we look at how many states are emerging to start considering their own exchanges.  We are also seeing the debate emerge as to how to best name an exchange in order to best encourage use from the public.

The Democratic front runner for governor in Indiana,John Gregg, also former House Speaker have recently met with current Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels to encourage a hybrid exchange powered by both Indiana and the federal government. Gregg will be formally releasing his position in a few days. According to the Courrier Press, the current running Republican Candidate, Mike Pence, is against creating an exchange should he be elected governor Indiana.

The Smart Talk Podcast, recorded in Pennsylvania, looks at how the health insurance exchange would function and also some of the views from Pennsylvania residents. As it currently stands, there are no plans for the state to create the exchange. But as the podcast guests point out the needs for healthcare in Pennsylvania vary widely from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia and many are weary of the one size fits all Exchange that the federal government would provide.

Yesterday, Nebraska encouraged it's citizens to come out and share their feedback on how they feel about the state participating in Health Insurance Exchanges according to it's news channel KOTA.

The Virgin Islands have recently hired consultants to asses their ability to IT abillities and the impact the exchange would have on their current insurances according to JSPURA.

And finally, California is in the process of choosing an name for its exchange.  Of the many names presented, the one catching headlines is "Avocado: A uniquely California approach to affordable healthcare." According to the LA Times, names presented will undergo consumer testing later this year.

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!

Health Insurance Exchange Roundup: Tuesday, August 23

Healthcare Exchanges are the hot topic in today’s healthcare landscape as well as national news. With states mandated to have a plan in place by January 1, 2013, and a functioning system by January 1, 2014, the majority are trying to figure how they will implement this system. Check here every afternoon for the latest opinions and news on the health exchange.  Today we have commentary from Nebraska, Pennsylvania and Oregon.

Here's the top news from Tuesday, August 23:

Lincoln Journal Star (Nebraska): Local View: Health reform has many benefits

Associated Press: States may get second chance at insurance exchange

Standard Speaker (Pennsylvania): State grapples with health insurance mandate

Governing.com: Coordinating More Care in Oregon

Watchdog.org: Kansas Governor Seeking Federal Grant for Key Component of ‘Obamacare’ Exchange

News Gazette (Illinois): Health care group sets meeting on insurance exchange

The Health Insurance Exchange Congress is the only place for states and health plans to come together as one and discuss the current challenges and opportunities associated with health insurance Exchanges. For more information about joining us, visit our webpage.