New challenges await second year of health plan enrollment in state
By Molly Rosbach, Yakima Herald-Republic, Wash. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
This year there are two new insurance carriers for a total of 10 in the exchange, offering 82 different plans, compared with 46 last year.
"It's not perfect yet; it's getting where we want it, but much better. And a smaller number of problems," said
"The main thing is, anytime we do something new, we discover new things," and must find new solutions.
Onizuka and communications director
Most frustrating to consumers and officials has been the payment disconnect between the exchange and the insurance carriers, which has interfered with patients getting coverage they've already paid for, and with doctors receiving reimbursement for services.
Onizuka said his office has fixed between 20,000 and 24,000 accounts -- some of which had only minor issues that didn't affect coverage -- but still has about 1,300 left. He says those should be fixed within the next week.
A few weeks ago, state Insurance Commissioner
Onizuka noted that people also have the option of paying insurers directly, rather than submitting payments through the exchange, though that carries its own paperwork headache.
New this year will be the option to pay the exchange via paper check. During the first year, all payments had to be electronic, which was problematic especially for low-income people, he said.
While many were concerned last year that the so-called "young invincibles" would not sign up in numbers sufficient enough to offset the cost of older, sicker adults in the insurance pool, Onizuka said 25 percent of statewide enrollment was in the 25- to 34-year-old age group.
"You always want it to be higher, but I thought that was pretty good," he said.
By the end of open enrollment this year on
This fall, for the first time, customers will be attempting to renew coverage through the exchange. For those whose income and insurance plans haven't changed, renewal happens automatically, but Onizuka said they're still anticipating some growing pains.
Another big difference is the addition of the statewide SHOP (Small Business Health Options Program) exchange, where small business owners can seek coverage for their employees. That, too, will likely bring some new challenges, Onizuka said.
Local lead organizations, such as
Overall, Marchand said, it's good to realize "You weren't going to get everyone in the first year."
"It's going to take a couple years for the messages to sink in," he said.
Open enrollment begins
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