6 of 14 state exchanges actively purchasing coverage – but not CT

A new update on health insurance exchanges by the Kaiser Family Foundation finds that six states – CA, MA, NY, OR, RI and VT – of the 14 that have made a decision, intend to actively purchase coverage. Those six exchanges will be negotiating with insurers to get the best value for consumers in their states. CT is among the states that have chosen instead to act only as a clearinghouse for any insurer that meets minimal standards. Among the two state exchanges currently operating, MA actively purchases coverage for their customers and have cut premium increases in half, while prices inside UT’s exchange, which operates as a clearinghouse, are higher than outside. A bill is currently moving through the General Assembly directing CT’s exchange to actively purchase coverage.