Nine health insurers have applied to sell plans through a state-run health exchange set to launch later this year, according to preliminary data from the state.
A full list of the insurers applying wasn’t immediately available Tuesday morning.
However, previous news reports indicate Minnesota’s biggest player want to participate. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, based in Eagan, and Bloomington-based HealthPartners both submitted applications, Minnesota Public Radio reported. HealthPartners only plans to sell individual health plans on the exchange and won’t offer employer coverage.
Medica, based in Minnetonka, also will offer coverage. PreferredOne, a Golden Valley-based health insurer, confirmed Tuesday it also will participate.
UCare wants to offer individual coverage on the exchange, marking the first time the insurer may offer individual plans in the state, the Star Tribune reports.
Insurers had to submit requests to offer plans on the exchange, called MNsure, by May 24.
The state won’t make the full filings public until the exchange is up and running in October, a state spokesman said in an email. Details not yet available include proposed rates.
However, Medica told MPR that richer benefits for individuals will likely translate into higher rates during the exchange’s first year of operation. Many individuals will be eligible for subsidies, however.
Insurers filed requests to sell more than 400 plans in Minnesota this year, thought that figure includes plans other than those that will be sold on the exchange.
Date: May 28, 2013