Just last week, Maine sent its information about proposed health insurance coverage to be offered through the state’s exchange on to the federal government for approval.
Enrollment for the health care exchange is set to open in just two months’ time, and Maine’s Bureau of Insurance released hundreds of documents last week about the two companies offering coverage and those plans. The companies, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Maine Community Health Options, will be offering coverage through the exchange ”“ mandated by the federal Affordable Care Act.
One good piece of news, in addition to hopefully more options and lower rates, is that the Affordable Care Act puts a cap on out-of-pocket deductibles at $6,350, according to an article by the Associated Press. Currently, the average deductible is more than $10,000 a year.
Details on the different plans that will be offered on the exchange and corresponding rates are not yet available, but a summary of that information is expected this week. The Bureau of Insurance is planning to release a breakdown of the new plans and costs.
In addition to the information about plans, there will also be a new way of determining rates based on geographic area, for the exchange plans. This change could impact consumers’ costs. Insurers have previously been able to determine rates by county, which has resulted in higher costs for residents in rural areas, according to the Associated Press report. Now, the Affordable Care Act only allows four regions for which insurers can determine rates.
These changes should lead to more competition and result in better rates for Mainers. One of the goals of the Affordable Care Act was to get more people insured, and with more people who are insured and paying premiums, rates should get lower and lower.
As the exchanges get going, we hope Maine people and businesses will get on board and get affordable care, not only to help lower rates, but for their health.
Preventative care is an important and cost-efficient solution to the health care crisis in this country. It’s important that people start ”“ and continue ”“ going to annual physicals, so they can get education and support for life-threatening illnesses like cancer and diabetes. People can even reverse some conditions if they catch them soon enough, through lifestyle changes like proper diet, exercise and smoking cessation.
We hope Maine will continue to be a leader in health insurance coverage, offering plans to the state’s most vulnerable, as well as do everything possible to ensure access to health care for every resident of the state.
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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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