Article Courtesy of ACA InternationalMost health systems have been slow in preparing for implementation of the new health insurance exchanges, and the newly eligible pose an enrollment challenge, according to a recent study.The study, "Health Exchanges: Open for Business," released in September by PwC's Health Research Institute, included feedback from more than 150 hospitals across 25 states, as well as national hospital associations and patient advocacy groups.It found that few hospitals have developed comprehensive strategies to identify, educate and help enroll people in health plans sold through the new exchanges that opened to consumers last month as part of the Affordable Care Act. Coverage under these plans begins as early as Jan. 1, 2014.Other key findings of the study include:Many providers have been slow to promote the expanded coverage options. Health systems attributed the delay in their enrollment efforts to multiple factors, to multiple factors, including: "Reform fatigue;" the need to finalize contracts with insurers; the slow trickle of information from regulators; and the desire for additional regulatory guidance, especially in the area of outreach designations and certification requirements. The newly eligible pose an enrollment challenge. If individuals do not understand which plan best fits their needs, it could impact the health of the patient as well as the revenue and reputation of the hospital. Many Americans do not fully understand the basics of health coverage, and exchanges will add another layer of complexity as 86 percent of individuals who purchase a health plan on the exchange will receive some government subsidy. Narrow networks could leave some hospitals out. Some health plans include only select hospitals and physician groups in their exchange offerings in an effort to hold down costs. This enables health plans to offer lower premiums, but also may lead to higher out-of-pocket expenses.
