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Private exchanges not part of the ACA

 

Private exchanges are not new and are not part of the ACA. They are what brokers, insurance companies and benefits consultants have been operating for years.

 

Web sites that offer consumers a range of health insurance options, facilitate enrollment and initial premium payment, and provide customer support along the way are private exchanges.

They can operate in the individual market or the group market, and will continue to do so after the public exchanges open for business.

 

In most states, the operators of private exchanges will be allowed to receive training and certification so that they may facilitate enrollment in coverage offered through the public exchanges. (You may still be able to use the broker you’ve always used, even if you’re getting subsidized health insurance through your state’s exchange.)

 

The public exchanges will offer coverage for individuals and small businesses, eventually providing policy options for employers with up to 100 employees. But there are no public exchanges for large employers, so private exchanges run by brokers and benefit coordinators will continue to be their best option.Be aware that each state only has one public exchange (with the aforementioned exception of Utah and Mississippi).

 

Individuals and small businesses who qualify for tax credits to help pay premiums need to make sure that they’re either dealing directly with their state’s exchange, or working with a broker who is certified by the exchange and can help them enroll in an exchange plan.

 

No ACA subsidies are available outside of the public exchanges.

 

http://www.healthinsurance.org/learn/know-your-health-insurance-exchanges/