Two of the largest insurance providers in the Affordable Care Act exchange will remain in New Hampshire next year.
“There’s been a lot of stuff happening today and it’s good news,” said state Insurance Commissioner Roger Sevigny.
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Anthem confirmed Wednesday they’ll continue offering plans in the individual market.
Earlier this summer, Ambetter Health said it’ll also stay.
Combined, the three companies cover 56,000 Granite Staters.
“We’re doing a lot better than a lot of states. As certainly everybody knows, carriers have been pulling out of states because of the uncertainty in Washington, D.C., because of the cost of care that’s going so high,” said Sevigny.
“New Hampshire has bucked the trend. This welcome news is the result of a rigorous effort to stabilize New Hampshire’s market,” said Governor Chris Sununu.
However, Minuteman Health, which covers 24,000 people in the state, won’t be in the exchange.
Earlier this summer, it said it would try to form a new company.
“But we’re not able to get the sufficient funding to be able to start up a health insurance company,” explained Sevigny.
Rates will be published in October, followed by open enrollment starting Nov. 1.
“Folks should shop around. If they’re using an agent or a broker, they should talk to that agent or broker or go shopping on their own once the rates are published on the exchange, go on healthcare.gov and shop around,” said Sevigny.
The cost of exchange plans could spike in 2018.
The Congressional Budget Office is forecasting a 20 percent increase for Silver Plans.
Date: August 16, 2017