Insurance Exchanges: The Next Major Health Reform Battleground

In a July 29, 2010 press release, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that states may apply for funds, up to $1 million per state, to help begin the process of establishing health insurance exchanges. Insurance exchanges, as required by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), will likely become the primary venue for purchasing health insurance. They will serve as online hubs that outline a consumer’s health insurance options in the state.

While ACA offered some guidance to states on how to create these exchanges, HHS has asked for public comments on how these exchanges ought to be structured. These comments will help HHS and states build the infrastructure for their health insurance exchanges in such a way as to provide affordable, high quality health insurance coverage to lawful residents and eligible employers.

Click here to read the HHS press statement.

Click here to see where and how to comment on the insurance exchange rules.

Click here to read NCHC’s discussion of the importance and complexity of developing an adequate state health insurance exchange.