The MNsure exchange will launch on Oct. 1, allowing people using a website or phone call to make apples-to-apples comparisons among plans. Traditional insurance brokers as well as certified “navigators” working at county offices and community service centers also will be able to guide citizens through the process.
MNsure, as you can see, is the name of the state’s marketplace. True to form, Minnesota appears not to wasting any time in getting the word out about its debut and necessity for many for whom the reform law was created. Insurers, on the other hand, will have to get some offering to the state if they wish to participate. Complaints from many plans mainly have to do with the small amount of time with which to formulate products to sell in the online exchange. This doesn’t even include small businesses which have the option of using exchanges to find whole plans for employees, or waiving this move in favor promoting individual plans — if it saves them money.
The new reality of healthcare delivery — at least at this time — has more to do with a sellers market than with buyers’ remorse. But, it’s probably too soon to call this one.
