AETNA/COVENTRY PULLING OUT OF THE INDIVIDUAL MARYLAND EXCHANGES

Earlier this week Aetna, who recently purchased Coventry Health Plans, told the Maryland Health Administration Commissioner, Therese Goldsmith that both Aetna and Coventry will be pulled out of the mix for plans offered on the individual exchange.  Aetna requested rates for one of their plans that was 29% higher than what the exchange would allow and decided that to lower their premiums by that amount would be unprofitable. Aetna and Coventry, however, have shown no signs that they are pulling out of the Small Group Exchange Plans.  

Maryland Launches New Health Plan Portal

According to Health Reform (PPACA), by 2014 all states must have a health benefit exchange set-up to make health plans to individuals and small businesses.  What appears to be the Maryland Health Care Commission's initial attempt, is their new Health Plan Portal (Virtual Compare) which allows small business with 2-50 employees, to compare plans from several different carriers including:  Carefirst, Aetna, Kaiser, Coventry etc.  At this point it does not allow an employer to purchase coverage through the portal.  Employers are able to contact carriers or health insurance brokers to help them with their plan choices and questions.  Brooks Benefit Services, LLC is listed within the portal. 

Following is a link to the Virtual Compare website: http://mhcc.maryland.gov/virtualcompare