The small group market rates are unchanged; the requested premium changes, which have an unweighted average hike of 7.2%, were approved as is. On the individual market, there were some slight reductions from requested rates for BCBS of KC, Sunflower/Ambetter, Medica, Oscar and US Health & Life. As a result, the semi-weighted average increase will be about a point lower (+7.2% vs. +8.3%).
I say semi-weighted because I only have the actual enrollment data for some of the carriers; for the others, I assumed equal enrollment for each of the remaining carriers based on the total statewide individual market size. I may be off on this, but it shouldn't move the needle too much if I am.
Also worth noting: UnitedHealthcare is joining the Kansas individual market for 2023.
The Reinsurance Program, Colorado Option and federal assistance will save people money on health care.
DENVER - The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI), part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies, has released the approved health insurance plans and premium information for 2023 for individual plans (for people who don’t get their insurance from an employer) and small group plans (for small employers with 2- 100 employees).
Because of the innovative programs the Polis-Primavera administration – in partnership with the legislature – has championed over the last three years, Coloradans can save $326 million statewide on individual health insurance plans for 2023. The Reinsurance Program, the Colorado Option and the DOI’s rate review process are driving substantial savings for the 2023 plan year.
The South Carolina Insurance Dept. has posted their final/approved 2023 rate filings for both the Individual and Small Group markets. Unlike the preliminary filings, which they didn't make easily available, the final filings are pretty clear cut. They don't include the enrollment data for each carrier, but most of that is available via the the federal Rate Review website and/or SERFF databases for the indy market. For the small group market, I was only able to find the number of policyholders, not actual enrollees, although that should still give a fairly close approximation to the relative market share.
On the individual market, average rates are going up around 7.3%, which is down a solid amount from the originally-requested average rate hike of 10.4%. The biggest news on SC's indy market is that Bright Health is dropping out (as they are everywhere else as well), while Cigna and Select Health are joining the ACA exchange.
On the small group market it doesn't look like there are any changes to who's participating. The average rate increase is 4.6%, which is actually down a bit from the 5.5% requested average (mostly due to Blue Cross/Blue Choice having their increases shaved down).
Starting Tuesday, November 1, 2022, Minnesotans can enroll in comprehensive medical and dental coverage for 2023 and access exclusive savings that lower the cost of monthly premiums through MNsure, Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace.
Now in its tenth year of serving Minnesotans, MNsure is the trusted source to find health plans that meet the needs and budgets of Minnesotans. MNsure’s open enrollment period will run from November 1, 2022, through January 15, 2023. Open enrollment is the annual opportunity for Minnesotans to compare options, sign up for health coverage, or change plans.
“We’re looking forward to helping many new families enroll in coverage through MNsure for the first time this year,” said MNsure CEO Nate Clark. “If you’ve thought MNsure doesn’t have anything to offer your family because you didn’t qualify for tax credits before, now is the time to take another look. New federal rules have changed who’s eligible for savings and now more Minnesotans will be able to access tax credits that will lower premium costs by $560/month, on average, in 2023.”
Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), approved Medicaid section 1115 demonstration initiatives in Arizona that will help the state take aim at health-related social needs. Like recently approved demonstrations in Oregon and Massachusetts, Arizona’s demonstration will test innovative interventions that target critical drivers of health outcomes, including housing insecurity.
“Everyone deserves the chance to receive the care they need to live safe and healthy lives,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “We are proud to work with Arizona in this groundbreaking effort. We will continue doing all we can to strengthen Medicaid, and urge states to follow Arizona’s lead.”
Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, enrollees will have lower costs for insulin and free ACIP-recommended vaccines starting in 2023
People with Medicare should review their coverage and drug and health plan options through December 7, 2022 on Medicare.gov
Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing that Medicare Open Enrollment begins tomorrow — Saturday, October 15 — and will remain open through December 7, 2022. Medicare’s Open Enrollment period gives people with Medicare the opportunity to make changes to their health plan or prescription drug plan, pick a Medicare Advantage plan, or return to Original Medicare (also referred to as Medicare Part A and Part B). Medicare plans can change their offerings and costs every year, and individuals’ health needs can change from year-to-year, too. Now is the time for people with Medicare to review their coverage options and make a choice that best meets their health care needs.
Preview available 2023 health plans ahead of open enrollment
Shop new savings available to you in 2023 before open enrollment begins on Nov. 1
Washingtonians can start to shop, compare, and find new savings opportunities on Washington Healthplanfinder prior to the beginning of open enrollment. Now through Oct. 30, individuals and families can visit wahealthplanfinder.org to preview their 2023 plan options and sign up for a reminder email when open enrollment is open — Nov. 1, 2022, through Jan. 15, 2023.
“Plan preview allows Washingtonians added time to learn about the health plans and savings available to them prior having to make a final decision,” interim CEO Jim Crawford said. “This year, there are more savings available than ever before with the introduction of Cascade Care Savings.”
Certified Enrollment Assistors Available to Meet with Shoppers On Site
ALBANY, NY (October 20, 2022) – NY State of Health, the state’s official health plan Marketplace, today announced its continued partnership with Rite Aid to help New Yorkers find a health plan that fits their needs and budget. Certified Enrollment Assistors will be available at Rite Aid locations across the state to provide information about affordable coverage, answer questions and make enrollment appointments. Assistors will be available near pharmacies at select locations statewide on October 22, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enrollment for 2022 coverage remains open for Medicaid, Essential Plan, Child Health Plus and Qualified Health Plans (QHP). New Yorkers can newly enroll (or renew current coverage) in a Qualified Health Plan for 2023 starting November 16, 2022.
This open enrollment season, be on the lookout for online scams targeting Minnesotans who need health insurance. MNsure’s open enrollment period runs from November 1, 2022, through January 15, 2023. Scammers take advantage of this opportunity to try to trick Minnesotans into purchasing products that do not provide comprehensive coverage
For example, if you search for MNsure online, you may see ads or websites that appear to be the official MNsure website but are not. Some of these sites collect your contact information and may bombard you with phone calls. Scammers also may claim they can find you a better plan for less money or threaten that your coverage will be discontinued if you don’t re-enroll.
Here are three tips to verify you’re working with MNsure and purchasing comprehensive health care coverage:
