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Utah Health Exchange and Health Reform During 2009/2010
We are pleased to present this website as a resource for the many options available to employers in the State of Utah with regard to purchasing health insurance. Although the traditional market still exists, dominated primarily by Aetna, Altius Health Plans, Humana, SelectHealth, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield and United Healthcare; the playing field has widened. There is now a voluntary alliance forged by Altius and SelectHealth offering both carriers under one roof as well as the much publicized Utah Health Exchange. There are many myths and misconceptions about the cost, availability and issue requirements for health plans and this site was created by a group of the most knowledgeable insurance agents in the state to hopefully clear the air somewhat as well as provide a forum in which to ask questions.
What Is It?
During the 2009 session, the Utah State Legislature approved HB 188, Health System Reform-Insurance Market, sponsored by Speaker David Clark. Later, Governor Huntsman signed the bill into law. Two of the main provisions of the bill are the creation of the Utah NetCare Plan, a low cost health benefit plan as an alternative to current federal COBRA, state mini-COBRA, and conversion products, and of an Internet Portal to facilitate the purchase of health benefit plans for employer groups. The Utah Health Exchange began registering small employer groups in August 2009 for plans effective January 2010. Large employer groups will gain access in fall 2011 for plans available 2012. The portal will also allow the pooling of several employer contributions to one employee’s plan. Another provision of the law allows insurers to offer lower cost plans free of certain state mandates.
How Does It Work?
The employer portal is virtual and the enrollment data as well as health history is entered online by each eligible employee. Bswift is the administrator of the Exchange and provides this data to each carrier who then return rates for each plan. The employees make their selection and then the enrollment is finalized. The employer will work with a local authorized agent to help explain the processes and keep the company in compliance with state and federal laws including a required Section 125 document. The banking and billing function will be handled by Health Equity, the Exchange’s designated banking administrator. Initially, the Exchange is limited to employers with fewer than 50 employees but that is expected to change in the not so distant future.
- There are many important aspects to understand about the types of coverage provided by the Utah Health Exchange. Specific differences in coverage and how it compares to other health insurance plans that you may have presently in force will require a trained professional. This website will help point you in the right direction to professionals that have been trained.
- Plan design and pricing are currently in the works for the Utah Health Exchange. See basic benefit descriptions under products tab above for updates. To obtain a quote please visit above tab.
- More information to follow soon.
