Wellmark to Leave Iowa’s ACA Health Insurance Market in 2018

DES MOINES, Iowa, April 3 -- The Iowa Department of Commerce's Insurance Division issued the following news release:

The Iowa Insurance Division was recently notified that Wellmark, Inc. and Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa will no longer participate in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance market in Iowa for 2018.

Iowa consumers should be aware that the companies will no longer offer individual coverage on or off the marketplace.

"We are very concerned about this development, but Iowa is not alone as ACA markets around the country are being left with few to no options available to consumers," Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen said. "It's concerning given that Iowa has now had two carriers leave the ACA's individual health insurance market. We will continue looking for ways to protect Iowa consumers."

This decision will impact approximately 21,400 individuals insured by Wellmark.

Consumers impacted by this decision will receive notice from the carrier and must switch to another insurer to continue their coverage for 2018 when the next Open Enrollment period begins November 1, 2017.