Idaho Healthcare Exchange: Not Ready for Deadline
Idaho received conditional approval from the Secretary of Human Health and Services (HHS) to run a state-based exchange. However, Idaho is facing some time constraint issues in implementing the plans by the Healthcare Exchange deadline. Therefore the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board voted to work with the federal government. The federal government will help run the individual and SHOP (for group insurance) exchange until Idaho’s IT platform is able to perform on its own. Idaho will maintain its own plan management and consumer assistance functions, while the federal government will operate their IT system.
A state-based program is one in which the state follows the guidelines set by the federal government for but sets up their own exchange for the new Bronze Plan, Silver Plan, Gold Plan, and Platinum Plan. To learn about specific plans and premiums in your state call 800-930-7956.
Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter addresses why Idaho chose to create a state plan, “We have decided to build and operate a voluntary, state-based health insurance exchange rather than defaulting to total federal control. The folks who have agreed to serve on the Board will be our eyes, ears and most importantly the voices of Idaho in this process.”
Questions
To learn if your state will run a state-based, default to federal, or enter into a partnership between federal and state contact Medicoverage.
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