New GOP Proposal Raises Concerns About New Healthcare Insurance Marketplace Coverage Options

1. August 4, 2017 New GOP Proposal Raises Concerns About New Healthcare Insurance Marketplace Coverage Options Recently, the GOP unveiled their big secret of a healthcare plan to the public. Instead of the warm welcome that they were anticipating, however, it only further stoked concern among citizens irrespective of party affiliation. Is there cause for alarm on the GOP’s revised healthcare version, though? Here’s a closer look at what it does, and what is there to expect in the ‘Cruz Amendment.’ P a g e 1 | 3

2. The Ted Cruz Amendment In this new version, requirements for the new healthcare insurance marketplace coverage options appear to have gotten a lot less comprehensive than what is currently provided by the ACA. Here, the insurers could sell plans even if they are not all that comprehensive for as long as they also offer at least one ACA-compliant plan. If the plan does not comply with the ACA, then it can simply be sold outside of the health exchanges. On the surface, this looks good, especially for younger individuals who have yet to test the waters on investing in healthcare. It can also possibly allow for better customization of their coverages, thereby easing the pressure of having to make a full decision so early on. For the older demographics, it is expected that they will be sticking with the plans that can provide them comprehensive coverage since they will have more need for it. Those suffering from pre- existing conditions are also likely to prefer these comprehensive plans instead of the more customizable one. Dwindling Obamacare Markets As the future of the ACA still pretty much hangs in limbo, more insurers have been opting out of the markets, leaving a vacuum in many states. By 2018, as much as three dozen counties across the nation, specifically in Nevada, Indiana, and Ohio, are projected to have little or no Obamacare insurer at all. Meanwhile, as much as 17 states are poised to have a very minimal marketplace with just one insurer confirmed to sell Obamacare by next year. These states include Alabama, Alaska, Mississippi, Nebraska, South Carolina and Wyoming. The expectation is that the new non-comprehensive plans will be able to fill in the gaps, but there is no telling as yet how this can satisfy the needs of the various health insurance demographics across the board. P a g e 2 | 3

3. This is a worrisome turnaround considering that early this year, it has been determined that healthcare marketplaces were actually stable in most states. What could have caused this sudden change in circumstance, however, is the continuous attack of the current administration on the existing ACA, thereby promoting doubts as to its viability in the long term. Those living in California and New York, however, have the luxury of having as much as three options for insurers, while Florida has two. From these developments, therefore, it does look like where you reside will ultimately determine how much coverage options you can have in the marketplace. About DECO: DECO strives to provide quality eligibility services to hospitals and other healthcare institutions to better deliver patient care. We believe that efficiency on the backend will result to better customer experience on the frontend. We strive to always serve with compassion and empathy especially towards the patients, and reliability for the institutions. Sources: Where You Live Will Soon Determine What Kind of Health Insurance You Can Get. CNBC.com. What Kind of Health Insurance Would the ‘Cruz Amendment’ Provide? Healthline.com. P a g e 3 | 3