Health Exchanges See Boost In Enrollment
By Katie Wike, contributing writer
In some states, health insurance exchanges are seeing as much as a 400 percent increase in enrollment
The Transamerica Center for Health (TCH), a nonprofit, private foundation dedicated to identifying, researching and educating the public about the most relevant issues related to health, has prepared a state-by-state analysis of health exchange enrollment numbers.
According the release announcing the analysis, “The top five states with the largest month over month enrollment gains included Oregon at 417 percent; Maryland at 209 percent; California at 209 percent; Alaska at 192 percent; and Idaho at 167 percent. ‘Oregon, Maryland, and Alaska had a slow start initially that allowed for a high percentage increase in December, while California saw a very healthy increase on an already sizable base,’ said Hector De La Torre, executive director for TCHS.”
The analysis breaks down the latest data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ report released January 13th and includes additional analysis on the eligible uninsured population and the percentage of completed applications, as well as Medicaid sign-ups by state.
TCH also released results of The First Annual Transamerica Center For Health Studies Survey: Benchmark on Health Care Coverage Perceptions and Readiness. “The Survey took place in July 2013 and asked randomly selected Americans and Employers questions about their healthcare needs and preferences and also about their preparedness for and expectations relating to the Affordable Care Act. The overall goals for the study are to illuminate emerging trends, promote awareness, and help educate the public about healthcare and health coverage.”
Among the survey’s highlights: “With the individual health coverage mandate taking effect in 2014 and open enrollment in the State Exchanges starting October 1, 2013, among those who do not have health insurance through an Employer:
- 39 percent are not sure about where they will get health coverage
- 36 percent plan to keep their current coverage
- 17 percent plan to purchase health coverage through a State Exchange
- 8 percent do not plan to purchase insurance and pay the penalty.”
This survey also found many employers (41 percent) expect the ACA to negatively impact their company’s health coverage costs in the next two-three years and 27 percent expect a positive impact. The majority of Employers (59 percent) expect their company’s benefits plan design to change, and only seven percent expect to remove health insurance in the next one-two years.
See the executive summary and complete findings HERE.
Want to publish your opinion?