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Sunday, February 12, 2012 |  |
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Resources on Health Reform Client Resource Center Highlights Grassroots Legislative Tools Legislative Tracking HUPAC |
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Creation of a Connector to Purchase Coverage
In 2006, Massachusetts policymakers enacted a far-reaching health reform plan, creating what is known as the Massachusetts health insurance "connector," along with other reforms. Now many policymakers, both in Congress and in other states, are exploring whether the connector concept is an effective means of reducing the number of uninsured Americans. NAHU believes that we need to carefully consider whether or not a national exchange is necessary in light of proposed market reforms. Further, given the diverse makeup of the United States, we question whether consumers wouldn't be better served with new federal market protections implemented at the state level. If Congress does decide to pursue the idea of an exchange, it is critical that exchanges be state-based and structured in such a way they do not damage or eliminate the traditional private insurance marketplace. They also must ensure consumer access to licensed agents and brokers. Exchange Panel Discussion This video features Janet Trautwein, Jon Kingsdale from the Massachusetts Connector, Justine Handleman from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Eric Grossman from the Trizetto Group, and John Nelson from Warner Pacific talking about exchanges and the issues that must be addressed before they are implemented. Although most exchanges will not be implemented until 2014, discussions are going on now relative to their development and structure. We encourage you to view this video which is the first in a series of educational videos on various aspects of health reform.Policy Recommendations for Establishing a Health Insurance Exchange The exchanges will transform our nation’s private health care marketplace for individuals and small businesses buying coverage. NAHU has developed a set of policy recommendations for establishing an exchange.
Executive Summary of Policy Recommendations for Establishing a Health Insurance Exchange
NAIC Testimony on Implementation of State-Based Exchanges NAHU provided testimony to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners on the implementation of state-based exchanges created by any potential federal health reform legislation..
NAHU's Issue Summary on Exchanges This paper outlines NAHU's key talking points on the exchange issue. The Smart Connector White Paper NAHU's white paper outlines the state-level connector proposals. The Smart Connector Alternative This paper summarizes how a connector could be effectively structured at the state-level.Information about the Massachusetts Connector
Massachusetts Association of Health Underwriters' Connector Resources This website answers commonly asked questions on how the Health Reform Act affects both employers and individuals. Massachusetts Association of Health Underwriters' Connector White Paper MassAHU released this informative paper on how the connector currently in place has affected their state. Massachusetts Health Connector Visit the Massachusetts Health Connector Authority's webpage to see plan and premium information. Health Care in Massachusetts: Key Indicators (May 2009) The Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy issues quarterly progress reports that contain excellent data. Massachusetts Health Reform: High Costs and Expanding Expectations May Weaken Employer Support The Center for Studying Health System Change examined the successes and challenges of the Massachusetts reform, specifically how the reform is impacting employers and how cost control threatens to undermine coverage gains.
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