MN discusses details of exchange
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MN discusses details of exchange
October 2, 2012
More states working with feds on exchanges than expected
October 4, 2012
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CT board approves essential health benefits

The recently upheld Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act calls for each state to develop a health insurance exchange to make it easier for employers and residents to compare and purchase health insurance coverage. Each state must determine if it wants to work with the federal government or independently in deploying the web-based shopping portal, and they must also define what essential benefits must be covered by all policies sold through the exchange.

Connecticut News Junkie reported the state’s Insurance Exchange Board approved a list of essential health benefits last week that will require a number of services to be covered by all participating health insurance providers. In all states, health plans must cover emergency services, mental health services, hospitalization, prescription drugs, pediatric services, maternity care and rehabilitation services. More specific coverage details will be left to each state’s lawmakers and industry experts.

When determining essential benefits for the exchange, Ben Barnes, secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, told the source many factors have to be considered. While lawmakers want to ensure as many benefits are covered as possible, cost is also a significant factor, as many employers are considering dropping health insurance coverage altogether to improve the bottom line.

According to Kaiser Health News, many states have established their essential benefits while others are still dragging their feet. California and Washington, for example, have included acupuncture as a must-cover benefit, while Arkansas will offer plans that enable residents to seek prevention counseling for women who have a high risk of developing breast cancer. Arkansas will not, however, cover expensive infertility treatments that have gained popularity in the last few years.

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Erin Woulfe
Erin Woulfe
Erin Woulfe likes to write about things that matter. Keeping her finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the public sector world, she blogs about the latest legislative news and employee benefit trends that affect our school, city and county clients. She’s been with NIS since 2002. “I love connecting to our clients and providing them with the tools they need in order to administrate their plan,” says Erin. “Whether that be materials to educate their employees on certain benefits, how to effectively communicate change within an organization or just providing tips and how-to’s to help them make their job easier.”

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