In the February issue of Inside Health Insurance Exchanges, I interview Joel Ario, who headed HHS’s Office of Health Insurance Exchanges until last September. Last month, he joined Manatt Health Solutions — a division of the law firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP — as a managing director. This was his first in-depth interview on exchanges, and he had quite a bit to say on the topic.
When it comes to insurance exchanges, by far the biggest complaint I hear is related to the snail-like pace at which HHS tends to release guidance. While Ario doesn’t know for sure when final exchange regulations will be issued, he says they are “expected” to be out this month. But based on conversations with health plan execs, he says carriers should have enough time to develop exchange-compatible products as long as they have at least 18 months before Jan. 1, 2014, when the exchange-based coverage goes into effect. So that means insurers will need to fully know the final regulatory landscape no later than June.
Do you think 18 months will be enough time for insurers to develop new exchange-ready products?
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