Seventy-three percent of health plans sold on the 2018 ACA exchanges sport narrow networks, according to an Avalere analysis.
Researchers examined exchange enrollment data during the 2015 through 2018 plan years, uncovering the number of polices with narrow networks is up from 54 percent of plans in 2015. In comparison, for 2018 only 27 percent of plans are preferred provider organizations or point of service plans, which usually have broader networks.
"We continue to see insurers focusing on narrow network exchange products that enable them to offer competitive premiums and manage medical costs," said Caroline Pearson, senior vice president at Avalere. "These narrow network plans may come at a lower price tag for consumers, but they may also limit consumer choice and access to specialist care."
The analysis also found popular silver exchange plans have higher deductibles for 2018 than in prior years. The average silver plan deductible totals $3,937 for 2018, up from $3,703 in 2015.
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