HHS and states move to establish Affordable Insurance Exchanges, give Americans the same insurance choices as members of Congress

Auguat 4, 2011 – On July 11, HHS proposed a framework to assist states in building Affordable Insurance Exchanges, state-based competitive marketplaces where individuals and small businesses will be able to purchase affordable private health insurance and have the same insurance choices as members of Congress. 
 
Starting in 2014, Exchanges will make it easy for individuals and small businesses to compare health plans, get answers to questions, find out if they are eligible for tax credits for private insurance or health programs like the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and enroll in a health plan that meets their needs. 
 
The announcement is designed to help support and guide states in their efforts to implement Exchanges.  HHS proposed new rules offering states guidance and options on how to structure their Exchanges in two key areas:

• Setting standards for establishing Exchanges, setting up a Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP), performing the basic functions of an Exchange, and certifying health plans for participation in the Exchange, and;
• Ensuring premium stability for plans and enrollees in the Exchange, especially in the early years as new people come in to Exchanges to shop for health insurance.

These proposed rules set minimum standards for Exchanges, give states the flexibility they need to design Exchanges that best fit their unique insurance markets, and are consistent with steps states have already taken to move forward with Exchanges. 
 
Forty-nine states, the District of Columbia and four territories accepted grants to help plan and operate Exchanges.  In addition, over half of all states are taking additional action beyond receiving a planning grant such as passing legislation or taking Administrative action to begin building exchanges.  States will continue to implement exchanges on different schedules through 2014.
 
The proposals build on over a year’s worth of work with states, small businesses, consumers and health insurance plans and offer states substantial flexibility to focus their resources on designing the right Exchanges for their local insurance markets. For example, it allows states to:

• decide whether their Exchanges should be local, regional, or operated by a non-profit organization,
• learn how to select plans for participation, and
• choose to develop an Exchange in partnership with the federal government or develop these systems themselves.

In drafting these proposals, the administration examined models of Exchanges, held numerous meetings with stakeholders and consulted closely with state leaders, consumer advocates, employers and insurers. To continue that conversation, HHS is accepting public comment on the proposed rules over the next 75 days to learn from states, consumers, and other stakeholders how the rules can be improved and HHS will modify these proposals based on feedback from the American people. To facilitate that public comment process, HHS will convene a series of regional listening sessions and meetings. 
 
For more information on Exchanges, including fact sheets, visit Health Insurance Exchanges

Tags: Healthcare Reform