Who’s In: State Health Insurance Exchanges

By Cyndy Nayer, February 7, 2013

MCOL published the infographic that shows the participants (states) in health insurance exchanges (HIX), the monies invested, the managers of the exchanges, and the public v private efforts. To date:

• 19 states are expected to open an exchange in 2014.
• Over $3.5 billion has been invested in 47 states (including the District of Columbia).
• Private exchanges are developing, mostly through large consulting firms, health plans, and integrated delivery systems.
• 56% of people polled by MCOL think that health insurance exchanges will have a significant impact on health access and affordability.
• Update on Florida (not on the infographic): the first state to oppose the exchanges, is still considering the impact on the budget.

As health care reform spreads through the communities of the US, there is great hope that the insurance exchanges will, in a few short years, encourage more consumer-driven health management. What is happening, however, is the escalation of insurance premiums even before the uninsured are offered entry into the coverage marketplace. This will demand a much finer focus on keeping people in sync with their prevention, wellness, and chronic care management plans. It means that those who are proficient at health care purchasing–the self-insured employers–will need to keep a close communication package in place, encouraging appropriate use of services and screenings as well as attention to adherence to medical plans. Some employers have already shared that they will be offering a “step-up” insurance package to their beneficiaries, as they have reaped the rewards of value-based benefit designs and outcomes-based purchasing through the years. They believe that their commitment to a high-performing workforce will be continue, even if their employees and families enter the exchange marketplace.