For the millions of Pennsylvanians who don't have employee benefits but do have individual plans, the cancelation notices and rate hikes are bound to continue without a major rejiggering of the health reform law.
That's according to Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Consedine, who recently released a statement concerning the widespread discontinuation of health plans due to their not complying with the essential benefits mandate of the Affordable Care Act.
"We have asked insurance companies that have not already done so to reach out to consumers so that they may make informed choices," said Consedine. "Individuals impacted by these cancelations will soon hear from their health insurance carriers about options to ensure that they have continued coverage."
He cautioned consumers, however, that the corrections made will likely differ for everyone, depending on their health needs, what their previous policies were and what company they're insured with. Additionally, he stressed that this is a "Pennsylvania-applied bandage" for individuals adversely impacted by the health reform law, rather than one that each state might consider adopting.
Meanwhile, many business owners in the Keystone State have learned from the lessons of the individual market.
"Many small employers took advantage of the early renewal offers in the small group market and, because of this, no insurer has come to us to indicate its intention to offer additional renewals of non-ACA compliant small group products in 2014," said Consedine.
Any future changes will continue to be monitored as they develop from Washington, D.C., and individuals will be informed through the appropriate channels, Consedine noted.
Pennsylvania makes up one of the majority of states that does not operate its own exchange. This declaration was made official right around this time last year by Gov. Tom Corbett.
