Kreidler examining how proposed U.S. rule may affect Washington’s health insurance market

 The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed a rule this week that could significantly affect health insurance plans for 2018. We are working closely with our health care stakeholders, including health insurers, medical providers and consumer advocates, to ensure that any proposed changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA/Obamacare) do not harm our state’s stable health insurance market.

The federal government's 71-page proposed rule contains several approaches to market stability. We are evaluating the regulations for their effect on Washington state law and our market. One option in the proposal would shorten the annual enrollment period for consumers from three months to six weeks.

All states have been asked to provide comments on the proposed rule by March 7 – a quick turnaround.

Our analysis will consider Commissioner Kreidler’s three key values for any changes to the ACA:

• No reduction in people covered by insurance.
• No reduction in benefit levels or affordability.
• No increased financial obligation for our state.

Washington independently adopted many aspects of the ACA, and we have a state-based Exchange that recently saw more than 200,000 residents enroll in coverage for 2017. Kreidler’s office is coordinating its review of the proposed rule with experts at several Washington state agencies and the national level to ensure a comprehensive analysis.

We are tracking potential changes to the ACA; you can sign up to receive notifications when we have new information.