Different Twist on the Exchange Idea

[Full Throttle]

I like this idea better than an exchange. It would likely keep agents in the game, allow carriers to be more innovative with plan designs, and be better than choosing between just five standard plan designs.

The state Republican congress likes it, the Democrat governor does not. Go figure!

Minnesota Legislators Introduce a Non-Exchange Bill

 

[somarco]

The UPA seems to rely, at least in part, on federal premium subsidies. As I recall, a quirk in Obamneycrap is the subsidies are only available to those who buy from a federal exchange.

Of course Greece, I mean DC, doesn't have the money to subsidize everyone so it is virtually a moot point any way.

 

[CHUMPS FROM OXFORD]

Great idea....although I didn't mean to post that twice!

 

[ABC]

Minnesota was the first state to see the defined contribution plan from Bloom. This UPA plan sounds like it's based off of that design.

The concept has merit and should be further entertained.

This is the same concept as having an HRA pay premiums on a Individual health plan. This is just more on a state level.

In Minnesota all health insurance companies have to be non profit for fully insured.

 

[Yagents]

I like it. It's the same idea as an HRA, but would allow different sources of contributions. This UPA account, can be used to find an agent and purchase a Minnesota health insurance plan from the private Minnesota Health Exchange. The UPA is just a variation of the current "defined contribution" health insurance model emerging. PCIP proved it's not an access problem, it's a premium cost problem.

My solution: Give everyone a $3000 HSA. Premium subsidized for lower income. Deductible also subsidized for lower income by pre funding HSA. Anything left over is allowed to be rolled over and kept forever. Everyone becomes a consumer. No more ER visits for runny noses. Similar to the Medicare HSA MA model.
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Minnesota was the first state to see the defined contribution plan from Bloom. This UPA plan sounds like it's based off of that design.

The concept has merit and should be further entertained.

This is the same concept as having an HRA pay premiums on a Individual health plan. This is just more on a state level.

In Minnesota all health insurance companies have to be non profit for fully insured.

ABC, you hit "post" before me. Did not mean to duplicate HRA message

 

[somarco]

PCIP proved it's not an access problem, it's a premium cost problem.

Actually, it is both.

Most of the folks that signed up for PCIP are in fact uninsurable, even if only for a short time (such as until the baby arrives). Those that did sign up are running close to a 500% loss ratio, while those that did not sign up are mostly waiting until it is free.

 

[Crabcake Johnny]

Then you have those who won't sign up even if it's free - and there are millions. Millions who qualify for Medicaid but won't ever fill out the paperwork and the women I tried to refer to MCHIP for free insurance based on their income but I got this:

"Listen, I'm right in the middle of giving my cat a bath so this is a bad time."

 

[Yagents]

meeeeeeeoooooooooouch