First up (and as previously noted but now confirmed), Aetna will no longer write so-called "child-only" plans. These have been useful in, for example, divorce situations and some group-based scenarios, and are now off the table insofar as Aetna's individual medical plans are concerned. While this may not seem to be a big deal, it's a further erosion in the choices available in the (previously) open market.
This change is effective October 1st for Kentucky and Indiana, and November 1st for Ohio.
If you're tuning in late, these changes are a direct result of ObamaCare©'s careless and destructive assaults on basic risk management principles. For example, the new regs prohibit underwriting on "children" 19 years and under, which, according to the folks at Aetna, "have the potential to significantly increase the cost of premiums and make coverage unaffordable." Quite so.
On the other hand, Medical Mutual is poised to pick up at least a few of Aetna's minors:
"Medical Mutual will continue to accept applications and provide quotes for plans with effective dates of September 23, 2010, through October 31, 2010, for children under the age of 19 (either as a stand-alone product or as part of a family)."
Of course, no one really knows what's going to happen going forward from October. As the folks at MMO told us in email, "the Company reserves the right to withhold final approval based on clarification of state and federal regulations on individual plans or not issue a policy at all."
How's that for Hope and Change?
UPDATE: And this just in from United Healthcare's Golden Rule:
"In previous communications, we had informed you of an impending change to the coverage effective date that would take place on September 1, 2010. Due to broker feedback, this date has been moved to September 6, 2010."
Interesting that they received, and acceded to, what must have been fairly intense pressure from agents.
So beginning with new applications received on or after next Monday:
"Coverage effective dates for Golden Rule renewable health plans will be the later of 30 days after an application is received or the date requested by the customer (but no greater than 60 days)."
Glad they cleared that up.
This change is effective October 1st for Kentucky and Indiana, and November 1st for Ohio.
If you're tuning in late, these changes are a direct result of ObamaCare©'s careless and destructive assaults on basic risk management principles. For example, the new regs prohibit underwriting on "children" 19 years and under, which, according to the folks at Aetna, "have the potential to significantly increase the cost of premiums and make coverage unaffordable." Quite so.
On the other hand, Medical Mutual is poised to pick up at least a few of Aetna's minors:
"Medical Mutual will continue to accept applications and provide quotes for plans with effective dates of September 23, 2010, through October 31, 2010, for children under the age of 19 (either as a stand-alone product or as part of a family)."
Of course, no one really knows what's going to happen going forward from October. As the folks at MMO told us in email, "the Company reserves the right to withhold final approval based on clarification of state and federal regulations on individual plans or not issue a policy at all."
How's that for Hope and Change?
UPDATE: And this just in from United Healthcare's Golden Rule:
"In previous communications, we had informed you of an impending change to the coverage effective date that would take place on September 1, 2010. Due to broker feedback, this date has been moved to September 6, 2010."
Interesting that they received, and acceded to, what must have been fairly intense pressure from agents.
So beginning with new applications received on or after next Monday:
"Coverage effective dates for Golden Rule renewable health plans will be the later of 30 days after an application is received or the date requested by the customer (but no greater than 60 days)."
Glad they cleared that up.
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