In Conn., If Commissions End, Brokers Say They’ll Exit Obamacare Exchanges
In other news, Modern Healthcare reports that fixes to the marketplaces are increasingly inevitable as large insurers send the message that, without changes, they will leave the exchanges.
The CT Mirror:
Health Insurance Brokers Set To Exit Exchange If Commissions Go
As state regulators consider rate proposals for next year, both of the carriers set to remain on Connecticut's exchange – Anthem and ConnectiCare – could eliminate their commissions for brokers in 2017, creating uncertainty as brokers and customers plan for the coming year. Anthem said earlier this year it would eliminate broker commissions while ConnectiCare has yet to decide. Many brokers have indicated they will leave the exchange if they do not receive sufficient compensation. (Constable, 8/8)
Modern Healthcare:
Fixes To Obamacare Insurance Exchanges Appear Inevitable
Like basketball players who are sick of losing a game, many health insurers who ventured into the new marketplaces are sending a clear message: We're taking our ball and going home.And if the government wants them to play again, they want more of the rules changed.The large publicly traded insurers wrapped up second-quarter results last week. Adverse selection continued to weigh down the finances of health plans on the Affordable Care Act marketplace. (Herman, 8/6)
News outlets also report on developments in Florida and Texas —
Orlando Sentinel:
Novel Health Insurance Plan Cancels 2017 South Florida Debut
Weeks after announcing a new "relationship-based" health insurance plan that would provide patients unlimited access to health coaches and primary doctors with no co-pay, Harken Health Insurance withdrew its application to open in South Florida in 2017.Harken's withdrawal further narrows the number of health insurance choices for customers who qualify for federal subsidies under the Affordable Care Act exchanges. (Hurtibise, 8/5)
Houston Chronicle:
No Job. No Insurance. No Chance At 'Obamacare.' No Safety Net In Texas. Welcome To Cuero
Six years after President Barack Obama's health care law passed with its sweeping mandate for nearly universal coverage, Texas still leads the nation in the number of uninsured. More than 4.5 million Texans are without coverage, without consistent medical care.The story of the uninsured is told in political ideology and unmet promises - unfolding still, one town, one family, at a time.More than three-quarters of a million Texans now have no realistic entry to health insurance because of the state's vow not to expand Medicaid. (Deam, 8/6)
