We are on the cusp of a major transformation. As the healthcare market moves to strengthen the individual channel and expand employer sponsored health insurance (ESI), it will not only impact Millions of Americans, but also how people access care and how it is administered.
Held just days following the release of the long-awaited American Health Care Act (AHCA), it was undeniable that some uncertainties still reside. The theme of “change” was at the forefront at the recently held AHIP National Health Policy Conference and National Conference. A dominant pattern among sessions included talks on the impact of AHCA provisions, as well as debates on what will be needed to make the individual market viable moving forward.
The notion of shifting coverage and costs between the Affordable Care Act and the AHCA was especially compelling. The discussion, which was led by industry expert and NAIC consumer liaison, Timothy Stoltzfus Jost, JD, focused on the AHCA’s financial impact and the influence on both the uninsured and insured populations.
Featuring Kevin Patterson, CEO of Connect for Health Colorado, and Lori Wing-Heier, Director of the Alaska Department of Insurance, the conference also offered a panel around State considerations. Panelists debated and examined States’ roles, outlining the need for states to take ownership of the individual and small group markets rather than maintaining reliance on the Federal government to control their fortune. States were advised to pursue and share their own legislative efforts, in addition to adopting tools such as applications, rules, and procedures to help make the most of funding.