Notice of Public Hearings for Iowa Stopgap Measure

DES MOINES, Iowa, July 13 -- The Iowa Department of Commerce's Insurance Division issued the following news release:

Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen requests public comments from Iowans regarding the Iowa Stopgap Measure and today said three public hearings will be held regarding the Iowa Stopgap Measure.

The Iowa Insurance Division has submitted the Iowa Stopgap Measure for federal approval by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Iowa Stopgap Measure is a short-term solution, but Iowa and many other states need a long-term fix from Congress to stabilize the damage done by the ACA.

Under the Iowa Stopgap Measure, Iowans will be able to purchase a standard health benefits plan that will be guaranteed issue, that will protect consumers from annual and lifetime limits, and that will include all of the Essential Health Benefits of the ACA and any additional benefits required by Iowa law. The Iowa Stopgap Measure will utilize a pass-through of Iowa's share of federal advanced premium tax credits (APTCs) and cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) to provide Iowa consumers with monthly age- and income-based premium credits and to support a reinsurance mechanism for costly medical claims. Consumers will purchase the standard health benefits plan directly from insurance companies participating in the Iowa Stopgap Measure during the open enrollment period beginning November 1, 2017.

The Iowa Insurance Division continues to work with CMS, CCIIO and Treasury to finalize Iowa's Stopgap Measure and ensure timely approval. The Iowa Stopgap Measure is available for public review at https://iid.iowa.gov/documents/iowa-stopgap-measure and public comment at https://comment.iowa.gov. The Iowa Insurance Division also anticipates providing a third-party economic analysis in late July. Public comments are an important part of this process and the Iowa Insurance Division will consider comments for the final version of Iowa's Stopgap Measure.

Written comments will be accepted through 4:30 p.m. on Monday, August 14, 2017. Comments may also be submitted in writing via U.S. mail to the Iowa Insurance Division, Attn: Public Comments, 601 Locust Street 4th Floor, Des Moines, Iowa 50309. Any persons who intend to attend the public hearing and have special requirements, such as those related to hearing or mobility impairments, should call the Iowa Insurance Division or email Angela Burke Boston and advise of specific needs.

Information about the public hearings regarding the Iowa Stopgap Measure are below.

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Council Bluffs Public Library

Meeting Room B

400 Willow Avenue, Council Bluffs, 51503

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Des Moines Central Public Library

Central Library Meeting Room

1000 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, 50309

Thursday, August 10, 2017

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Cedar Rapids Public Library

Beems A/B Room

450 5th Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, 52401