Open enrollment in the federal health insurance marketplace begins Tuesday, and two-thirds of enrolled Alaskans will see about a 35 percent rate increase as they transfer from Moda Health to the lone provider left in Alaska’s market.
Lori Wing-Heier, director of the state’s Division of Insurance, said about 14,000 individuals will swap over to Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield.
“Their plans will automatically go from Moda to Premera,” Wing-Heier said. “But if they want to see what else is out there they’re going to have to to into the marketplace and make the decision themselves, because it may not be the plan that they want due to the cost.”
“So we are encouraging them to get out and take a look at what the new plan is and if it’s the correct plan for them at the correct premium.”
Moda announced their departure from the Alaska market earlier this year, citing financial troubles.
Customers already enrolled with Premera will see an average rate increase of 7.3 percent.
Wing-Heier said the state is encouraging Alaskans to start shopping early.
“To see what’s available for them and to see what they qualify for, if they qualify for, an offset of a premium tax credit or a subsidy,” she said.
About three-quarters of enrolled Alaskans qualify for a subsidy.
Wing-Heier said assistance is available for those who are re-enrolling and for Alaskans enrolling for the first time.
“We also are encouraging people to reach out to a broker, a navigator or an assister, depending on what is in their area, to help them, to walk them through the marketplace and what their options are,” she said.
The enrollment period begins Tuesday and is open through the end of January, but in order to have insurance coverage in effect by the first of the year the enrollment deadline is Dec. 15.
As of September, just over 21,000 Alaskans were enrolled in the individual marketplace.
Josh is the Statewide Morning News Reporter/Producer for Alaska Public Media | jedge (at) alaskapublic (dot) org | 907.550.8455 | About Josh
