Regulators in Minnesota are trying to recruit health insures to the state's health insurance exchange — MNsure — to address competition concerns in rural areas next year, the Star Tribune reports.
With the 2017 open enrollment less than three months away, the initiative signals a concern about the lack of competition in the state's individual market, according to the report. Regulators requested proposals from insurers wishing to enter MNsure last week. In addition, regulators asked interested parties to propose a waiver to expand their coverage outside of Minnesota's seven-county metropolitan area.
The call for insurers comes after others like Eagan-based Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota said it would stop offering individual health plans through MNsure next year. BCBS of Minnesota sold 43 percent of individual plans on the exchange last year.
If recruited, insurers would offer at least one health plan option through MNsure in one or more counties. Proposals from insurers to enter MNsure are due Sept. 9 and public comment will be open Sept. 12 through Sept. 26.
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