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Statement of ACAP CEO Margaret A. Murray on Marketplace Open Enrollment Period
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 1, 2016
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Jeff Van Ness, (202) 204-7515
STATEMENT OF ACAP CEO MARGARET A. MURRAY ON MARKETPLACE OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD
WASHINGTON—Margaret A. Murray, CEO of the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP), issued the following statement on the eve of the open enrollment period for Health Insurance Marketplaces:
“Eighteen ACAP-member Safety Net Health Plans, which currently serve more than half a million members, are opening their doors for the fourth year of enrollment through the Health Insurance Marketplaces this year.
“Safety Net Health Plans are particularly well-suited for the Marketplaces owing to the high level of movement between Medicaid and subsidized Marketplace coverage. About 1 in 4 people with low incomes change insurance coverage in a given year. As consumers move from Medicaid to subsidized Marketplace coverage, their familiarity with their previous plan’s care management programs, provider networks and customer-service contacts are a welcome source of familiarity.
“Medicaid-focused plans which also issue a Qualified Health Plan tend to do well on the Marketplace because their premiums are generally lower than commercial, CO-OP or Blue Cross plans, according to a recent Commonwealth Fund study. At least two of our plans, in stark contrast to the national trend of premium increases, have lowered their premiums, on average, for 2017.
“It also bears noting that Safety Net Health Plans are entering the Marketplace as others exit. One has joined the Marketplace for the first time this year. Others are strongly considering entry in subsequent years.
“We look forward to continuing to serve our communities, and serving them well.”
About ACAP
ACAP represents 57 not-for-profit Safety Net Health Plans in 26 states, which collectively serve more than seventeen million people enrolled in Medicaid, Medicare, Marketplaces, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and other health programs. For more information, visit www.communityplans.net.
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