AP via Miami Herald ^ | Saturday, 11.02.13 | BARRY MASSEY
Posted on Sat, Nov. 02, 2013
Nearly 26,000 New Mexicans are having health plans terminated at the end of the year because the insurance policies fail to provide expanded benefits and other coverage mandated by a federal health care law, according to insurance industry officials.State Insurance Superintendent John Franchini estimates most of those individual policyholders will pay an average of 35 percent more for new coverage, but will have plans with more health care benefits.
He said individuals can buy new coverage directly from a private insurer if they don't want to shop through a federally operated health insurance exchange, which has been hobbled by computer glitches.
"We all have to adapt now because the exchanges aren't working, but it doesn't mean we can't get what we need," said Franchini.
Presbyterian Health Plan has sent letters to its 23,000 individual policyholders notifying them that their policies will not be renewed and outlining options for buying new health plans, said Todd Sandman, senior vice president of strategy and customer engagement.
Lovelace Health Plan has notified 2,900 individuals their plans are being discontinued, said Marlene Baca, the company's chief programs officer.
Under the Affordable Health Care Act, policies starting next year must provide certain core benefits, such as coverage for maternity care as well as mental health and substance abuse. Franchini said many individuals don't buy those benefits in their current policies, which allows people to hold down monthly premiums.
"Under the Affordable Care Act, you can't use those old thin benefits anymore," he said.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico offered its 28,000 individual insurance policyholders...
He said individuals can buy new coverage directly from a private insurer if they don't want to shop through a federally operated health insurance exchange, which has been hobbled by computer glitches.
"We all have to adapt now because the exchanges aren't working, but it doesn't mean we can't get what we need," said Franchini.
Presbyterian Health Plan has sent letters to its 23,000 individual policyholders notifying them that their policies will not be renewed and outlining options for buying new health plans, said Todd Sandman, senior vice president of strategy and customer engagement.
Lovelace Health Plan has notified 2,900 individuals their plans are being discontinued, said Marlene Baca, the company's chief programs officer.
Under the Affordable Health Care Act, policies starting next year must provide certain core benefits, such as coverage for maternity care as well as mental health and substance abuse. Franchini said many individuals don't buy those benefits in their current policies, which allows people to hold down monthly premiums.
"Under the Affordable Care Act, you can't use those old thin benefits anymore," he said.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico offered its 28,000 individual insurance policyholders...
(Excerpt) Read more at miamiherald.com ...
