Health insurers in Idaho will be able to provide state-based plans that bypass certain ACA regulations, The Hill reports.
Here are four things to know about the new guidelines.
1. The Idaho Department of Insurance will allow insurers to offer "state-based plans," which would not be required to have all of the ACA's essential health benefits. Insurers would also be able to deny individuals coverage or charge them more if they have a pre-existing condition. Specifically, if the individual lacks continuous health coverage, insurers can deny coverage to an individual with a pre-existing condition who purchases a state-based plan for up to 12 months, The Hill reports.
2. Insurers will only be able to provide state-based plans if they also sell policies on Idaho's ACA exchange.
3. Payers participating in the state-based plans must still offer at least one plan covering maternity, newborn and mental health coverage. However, other plans will not be required to cover those benefits. State-based plans will also not be required to cover vision or dental treatment.
4. While state officials argue the changes will give Idahoans cheaper options for health insurance, some experts raised questions about whether the rules are legal under the ACA, according to the report.
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