New federal ACA rules aim to boost choices, could drive down enrollment

Wide-ranging ACA marketplace changes set to take effect next year include new offerings such as plans with 30% higher out-of-pocket costs, and others with no set networks of doctors and hospitals (Source: “Long-Awaited Rule Aims To Boost ACA Choices While Embracing Higher Deductibles,” KFF Health News, June 15).

The administration says such plan, which were finalized by CMS in mid-May, expand consumers’ choices and may carry lower premiums.

The combined effect of the new provisions could not only cost $1.3 billion each year to implement, but also reduce enrollment by up to an additional 2 million next year. That would come on top of already anticipated sign-up decreases this year because of higher premiums and smaller subsidy payments.
Over time, lower ACA marketplace enrollment can boost premiums if insurers suspect their costs are rising because healthier people drop coverage more than sicker members do.

Learn more about how recent federal health policy changes could impact Ohio with resources included in HPIO's Federal Health Policy Impact on Ohio project.