Wider Coverage, But Higher Cost In Ohio Insurance Plans
Ohio has the third-highest number of enrollees in high-deductible plans, trade group America's Health Insurance Plans says. In Louisiana, the insurance department takes over Louisiana Health Cooperative after it's revealed that the insurer has only $180,000 to pay off unexpectedly high claims, if they come.
The Cleveland Plain Dealer:
Ohio Flooded With High-Cost Health Insurance; Coverage Goes Up But Access Goes Down
Ohio has the third largest number of enrollees in high-deductible insurance in the country, behind only Illinois and Texas, according to a study by America's Health Insurance Plans, a national trade group. The plans are popular because they carry lower premiums and help more people get insurance coverage. And some experts argue they put discipline back into the marketplace by encouraging patients to comparison shop and think more carefully about when they access care. (Ross, 9/2)
The Advocate:
State Takes Over Nonprofit Health Insurer
The Louisiana Department of Insurance has taken over Metairie-based Louisiana Health Cooperative Inc., a nonprofit health insurance company created with $66 million in federal loans. District Judge Donald Johnson issued an order Tuesday granting the department’s request to place the co-op into rehabilitation. The order allows Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon to take possession and control of the failed insurer. The department’s regulators have been stationed at the co-op since July 29. (Griggs, 9/2)