Insurance Exchanges

With open enrollment in new insurance marketplaces set to begin October 1, this analysis provides an early look at insurance premiums in 17 states and DC that have publicly released comprehensive data about their rates and the impact of tax credits that will offset part of the costs for low- and moderate-income families. The analysis compares the premiums in the largest cities in each of the 17 states plus DC for individuals and families in different circumstances to illustrate the insurance rates they might pay, with and without the tax credits.

Starting January 1, 2014, new federal subsidies will be available for lower- to middle-income people to purchase private, nongroup coverage through new health insurance exchanges. A key issue for the exchanges is whether enough younger and healthier people will sign up for coverage to avoid significant adverse selection in which only older and sicker uninsured adults enroll, thus driving up premiums. This brief examines which uninsured adults ages 18 to 64 are most likely to purchase insurance through the exchanges.

This educational slide deck, prepared by Manatt Health Solutions, provides detailed information on Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) and Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs). It is designed as a tool to educate navigators, certified application counselors, and other assistors, as well as Marketplace staff, eligibility workers,  and others that need to understand and be able to explain how APTCs and CSRs work in practice. This presentation gives the audience a more visual display to aid in the comprehension of the technical information related to APTCs and CSRs. The document begins with a glossary of key terms and the general role of APTCs and CSRs, and then takes a deeper dive into the technical components. 

With October's open enrollment for exchanges drawing near, a key issue that remains is premium rates for health plans sold in the exchanges. This map tracks states that have released rate information filed by carriers interested in selling plans in health insurance exchanges in both the individual and small group markets.

With open enrollment drawing near, exchanges are mobilizing their efforts to provide assistance to individuals who will begin enrolling in coverage options in October. This chart highlights the approaches states have taken to develop education and training for the individuals who will provide enrollment assistance through Navigator and In-Person Assister (IPA) programs.