BCBS to members: Coverage should be 'available to everyone, regardless of pre-existing conditions'

Chicago-based Blue Cross Blue Shield Association penned a message to members outlining its wishes for the GOP's health reform proposal.

As the only insurer offering health plans on the ACA exchanges in roughly a third of U.S. counties, the insurer said it believes changes to the healthcare system must take into account several provisions established under the ACA. BCBSA said it believes "health insurance should be available to everyone, regardless of pre-existing conditions." The payer also said a health reform plan should maintain equal rates for women and men, no lifetime caps on benefits and the ability for individuals under the age of 26 to remain on their parents' plans.

The payer also said any healthcare changes should address and sustain federal funding to care for individuals with serious health conditions. It added federal subsidies, which help BCBS' 8 million policyholders on the individual market afford coverage, should take into account an individual's income, age and regional differences in healthcare costs.

The payer also called for changes to the ACA. It said states "should be empowered to meet the needs of their communities, because they know their local healthcare systems and their citizens' needs best." In addition, BCBSA called for stronger incentives to draw younger, healthier people to purchase health plans.  

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