Get Ready for A Individual Black Out

[ABC]

Get Ready for a possible individual Black Out on new policy sales as of Sept. 23rd 2010.

Yep the sh$t is about to hit the fan!

I just got word from a couple of carrier reps and they were worried.

It looks like HHS has been unable to clarify certain aspects of wellness. The carriers need this clarification so they can launch new plan designs. Then the new plan designs have to be approved by each states DOI.

Any prospects you are working right now you better write the paper on the ASAP.

I hope I am wrong!

 

[Dave020]

It will depend on the carrier. It is important to remember that the 9/23 date is not the only option for carriers.

They can (and some are) use the portfolio renewal period to make changes to plans to conform with Obamacare. This includes the GI for kids. PPACA allows for either 9/23 or at the IFP plans renewal date, whichever the carrier decides.

As it stands today, in California, Anthem Blue Cross will issue redesigned plans for 9/23 (as I believe will HealthNet). Blue Shield CA is holding to the IFP portfolio renewal date 1/1/11 (with a mid-term rate increase on 10/1).

 

[somarco]

HHS has been unable to clarify certain aspects of wellness.

8 years as KS insurance commissioner and still can't figure out how health insurance works.

Sounds about right.

 

[jbage007]

Kinda funny how her reputation has sunk to an all time low within the industry she once served proudly. Remember, she also presided over NAIC for awhile.

 

[HealthGuy]

ABC: Are you kidding me? Carriers are going to STOP taking new business? I don't believe this. WTF man.

 

[somarco]

It is a political stance. There is no reason why they can't write business on the old rules and make retroactive adjustments. This would not work on GI for kids (where they still need clarification) but could work for preventive care and other issues. Wouldn't be the first time carriers acted on good faith and then adjusted after regs were issued.

 

[HealthGuy]

The carriers however will not stop issuing business at anytime. That is a ridiculous assertion in my opinion. There is going to be no blackout. Carriers may change the plans they are selling but will not stop at any time issuing policies.

 

[Crabcake Johnny]

I hope I am wrong!

Good, because you are. But the hysterics are appreciated.

 

[Dave020]

Anthem has already filed in CA and is waiting regulatory approval to issue new plans 9/23 and after. I expect the plans will be "viewable" by end of August latest.

Good time to take a vacation, actually. Come back when the dust settles

 

[GreenSky]

Good time to take a vacation, actually. Come back when the dust settles

Now that the taxpayers are no longer paying, my guess is that you'll never take another "vacation."

Rick