AHIP Statement on Health Insurance Exchanges
For Immediate Release
May 16, 2012
Contact:
Robert Zirkelbach
202-778-8493
Washington, DC – America’s Health Insurance Plans’ (AHIP) President and CEO Karen Ignagni released the following statement today on the guidance on health insurance exchanges released by the Department of Health and Human Services:
“Exchanges work best when they are true marketplaces that maximize choice and competition so that individuals, families, and small businesses can purchase plans that are right for them. States are in the best position to establish exchanges because they have the experience and local-market knowledge to meet the consumers’ needs. If a state chooses not to establish its own exchange, any exchange that is implemented should seek to preserve consumer choice and avoid regulatory duplication that will add complexity and increase costs for consumers. We appreciate that the Department has prioritized minimizing administrative burdens, encouraging choice, and preserving the states’ traditional role of regulating health insurance as these exchanges are developed.
“Allowing all health plans that meet new quality and performance standards to offer coverage in an exchange will help ensure competition and preserve consumer choice. Moreover, we agree that exchanges should be developed with input from all stakeholders to ensure they are able to provide individuals, families, and small businesses with the most accurate and up-to-date information about all of their coverage options.
“We are currently reviewing the guidance and look forward to submitting detailed comments.”
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Providing Health Benefits for Over 200 Million Americans.