Here are four things to know;
1. Nearly three months ago, Humana said it was pulling its plan from the region’s ACA exchange in 2018, which will impact 800,000 Knoxville residents.
2. BCBS referred to their decision as an “extension of their mission,” according to STAT. BCBS President and CEO J.D. Hickey said the payer is offering coverage as political uncertainty manifests under the new administration.
3. In a letter to Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak, Mr. Hickey wrote, “Given the potential negative effects of federal legislative and/or regulatory changes, we believe it will be necessary to price-in those downside risks, even at the prospect of a higher-than-average margin for the short term, or until stability can be achieved.”
4. BCBS also said it would offer plans in Pinal County, Ariz., after Aetna announced it was pulling its plans. BCBS increased premiums in this region by 51 percent.
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