Standardization = One Step Closer to Medicare for All

[AllenChicago]

I haven't looked in detail, but the plans can't be ultra benefit rich. What CMS is proposing is to standarize the cost sharing on a set of plans to provide apples to apples comparisons between carriers. They still have to meet the metallic tier requirements of Gold, Silver, Bronze. Oregon does something similar at the state level.

Standardized = An even smaller need for agents? This fits in with HHS/CMS consistently moving us further down on their priority list.

In fact, it's 5 days before the end of 2016 O.E. and CMS today sends us the e-mail: "Operational guidance for agents and brokers for 2016 Open Enrollment."

 

[sman]

Standardized = An even smaller need for agents? This fits in with HHS/CMS consistently moving us further down on their priority list.

In fact, it's 5 days before the end of 2016 O.E. and CMS today sends us the e-mail: "Operational guidance for agents and brokers for 2016 Open Enrollment."

Better late than never Allen

 

[houcoogster]

In fact, it's 5 days before the end of 2016 O.E. and CMS today sends us the e-mail: "Operational guidance for agents and brokers for 2016 Open Enrollment."

This + your avatar = Any questions??.....

 

[AllenChicago]

This + your avatar = Any questions??.....

HouCoogster, you're much better than me at connecting the dots! Thanks for pointing that out. No wonder the posts in this section of the forum are getting fewer every week. All the smart agents are jumping off the ObamaCare choo-choo before it's a complete wreck.

 

[somarco]

Standardized = An even smaller need for agents?

The need for agents went over the cliff once goodluck.gov went live and no one from DC or the media even mentioned agents. Supposedly the gold, silver, blah, blah made it easier for people to find a plan that fits their needs and budget.

But the formula for creating metal plans was so convoluted the carriers had a lot of latitude in designing the plan.

Going to a "standardize" design does nothing to help the consumer navigate Rx formularies and par providers. The plans will still be as complicated as they are now.

Difference is, only $15/hour navigators can operate in this environment. Self employed, commission only agents are dead in the water.

 

[bluediamond]

Standardized = An even smaller need for agents? This fits in with HHS/CMS consistently moving us further down on their priority list.

In fact, it's 5 days before the end of 2016 O.E. and CMS today sends us the e-mail: "Operational guidance for agents and brokers for 2016 Open Enrollment."

Hell I saw that today, I didn't know we were suppose to be doing it that way, no wonder my clients are mad.

 

[FLM2]

HouCoogster, you're much better than me at connecting the dots! Thanks for pointing that out. No wonder the posts in this section of the forum are getting fewer every week. All the smart agents are jumping off the ObamaCare choo-choo before it's a complete wreck.

It's already a complete wreck in some states, including Florida.

The train may not yet be off the tracks completely but anyone who thinks there will be an IFP business in Florida next year is smoking some very strong stuff, there isn't a chance in hell I will be in the IFP business at this time next year.

 

[Alston]

I think that the need for agents is as high or at least as high as it was before the ACA.

However the perceived need has fallen off a cliff. People think that just because they can buy online the decision making process need not be any more complex than a typical Amazon purchase.

However, if they standardize the plans, the actual need for agents will diminish.

So long as they fix all the other problems.

 

[AllenChicago]

Since it will be up the few remaining Marketplace insurers whether or not they will offer the 2017 Standardized Plans, I can't see any of them doing it.

They've cut commissions, cut staff, re-negotiated contracts, etc.. The last thing health insurers need is more administrative overhead and medical-related payouts to providers.

 

[somarco]

the need for agents is as high or at least as high as it was before the ACA.

However the perceived need has fallen off a cliff.

Good point.

However perception becomes reality. But debating the need for agents is a straw man argument when the business model (commission) no longer works.