We met recently with two groups pushing for establishment of health insurance exchanges in Iowa. One of the 2010 federal Affordable Care Act’s central requirements is for each state to establish an exchange, where individuals, businesses and organizations can select from a variety of insurance options. It’s supposed to encourage competition among insurers and give consumers more affordable choices.
Both the Iowa Health Alliance and the Iowa Health Advocates want the Iowa Legislature to authorize work on an exchange sooner than later. They argue that waiting until July for the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the ACA’s mandate that every individual must have health insurance coverage is too late.
We agree. Legislators have to authorize a plan by Jan. 1; otherwise, the federal government will do it for us. Yes, depending on the November election outcome, Congress could throw out the exchange requirement, as well as any other or all parts of the ACA regardless of how the high court rules on the mandate.
But waiting because of the uncertainties doesn’t seem wise.
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Each plan provides some lessons. But Iowa should not get hung up on any other state’s model. Our exchange’s governing body should be transparent, independent and represent both consumer and business interests. We also see merit in having the insurance industry serve in an advisory capacity only to avoid conflicts of interest.
Bottom line: Devise a plan to fit Iowans’ needs.
http://thegazette.com/2012/02/19/utah-or-massachusetts-no-its-iowa/
Hat tip: The Gazette
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