The Hartford
Business Journal reports on the experiences of CT’s insurance brokers
in the success of AccessHealthCT.
Brokers have assisted about 35% of the 90,000 current members enroll in
coverage, but they are not universally supportive of the exchange. Challenges
include technology problems and system failures, no reimbursement for helping
people eligible for Medicaid, and the lengthy, complicated application process.
Despite receiving commissions of $16/month for individuals and $40 for small
businesses, many say they the business is not profitable. Those commissions add
up to $500,000/month paid by insurers, and ultimately consumers. Rep. Scott, a
broker, has proposed a bill requiring all AccessHealthCT sales go through a
broker. He maintains that engaging brokers to help everyone apply could replace
declining federal funding to the exchange for enrollment and marketing costs.Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Fascinating HBJ article on role, challenges for brokers in AccessHealthCT
The Hartford
Business Journal reports on the experiences of CT’s insurance brokers
in the success of AccessHealthCT.
Brokers have assisted about 35% of the 90,000 current members enroll in
coverage, but they are not universally supportive of the exchange. Challenges
include technology problems and system failures, no reimbursement for helping
people eligible for Medicaid, and the lengthy, complicated application process.
Despite receiving commissions of $16/month for individuals and $40 for small
businesses, many say they the business is not profitable. Those commissions add
up to $500,000/month paid by insurers, and ultimately consumers. Rep. Scott, a
broker, has proposed a bill requiring all AccessHealthCT sales go through a
broker. He maintains that engaging brokers to help everyone apply could replace
declining federal funding to the exchange for enrollment and marketing costs.
