Insurance Department Releases Health Insurance Reform Study Findings and Approved ACA Health Insurance Rates

 

 Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread today presented the findings from a study preformed to better understand the options available and potential impact of attempting to stabilize the individual health insurance market in North Dakota to the interim Health Care Reform Review Committee. The goals of the study were to attempt to increase affordability, competition and consumer choice in both the short and long term as early as the 2020 health insurance plan year. The health insurance premium rates for Affordable Care Act (ACA)-compliant individual and group plans offered in North Dakota beginning Jan. 1, 2019 were also included in the study.

“The heavy burdens created by the ACA continue to cause an increase in premiums which requires us to look at alternative ways in which North Dakota consumers can purchase more affordable plans,” Godfread said. “We do, however, remain fortunate to have competition in our individual and group markets in North Dakota giving our consumers some opportunity to shop around. This year, consumers can expect to see three major carriers operating on the exchange, along with an increased presence in our small group market from United Healthcare. As the open enrollment period approaches, it is important for consumers to do their research and find health insurance that best fits their needs at the best price.”