HHS Will Negotiate Exchange Rates, Hopes for 7M Enrollees

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said the agency hopes to enroll 7 million Americans on the health insurance exchanges by the end of March 2014, aided by employed navigators, call centers, revamped websites and a publicity campaign with possible appearances by celebrities from the NBA and NFL, according to a report by Politico.

Advertisement

The exchanges begin enrolling individuals and small businesses Oct. 1, where they can buy health plans that begin on or after Jan. 1. The exchanges are intended to boost insurer competition and improve customers’ buying power through more transparent comparisons between plans, and the exchanges will also screen applicants for eligibility for Medicaid or subsidies to help pay for insurance.

 

Taking efforts to promote affordability even further, Ms. Sebelius said the agency will negotiate with payers by alerting them if their rates are “outliers” relative to others offered on the exchanges, allowing insurers to reconsider their pricing or correct the rates if HHS or the payer made an error. This can promote competitive pricing, but the strategy’s effectiveness is challenged in markets with low payer participation in the exchanges, according to the report.

More Articles on Health Insurance Exchanges:

Survey: 5 Biggest Challenges of Running a Medical Group Practice
Teaching Doctors How to Sell
CMS Gives State Exchanges Option for Alternative Streamlined Forms

At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Download Whitepaper

The cost-saving opportunity most health systems overlook

Many hospitals and health systems scrutinize staffing, service lines, and payer contracts for savings. Fewer look at one of their largest assets: real estate.…

Advertisement

Next Up in Financial Management

Advertisement

Comments are closed.