State-Run Insurance Marketplaces That Use HealthCare.gov: An Alternative Approach
<p>Whether they operate their own health insurance marketplace or have one that is “federally facilitated,” many states are looking for ways to retain local control over their insurance markets while minimizing the financial and operational burdens of building or maintaining an exchange.</p><p>In their latest Commonwealth Fund issue brief, Georgetown University’s Justin Giovannelli and Kevin Lucia examine the experiences of four states—Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oregon—that established their marketplaces but use the federal HealthCare.gov platform for eligibility and enrollment. </p>
<p>The researchers find that beyond the financial benefits of relying on existing federal technology, this alternative marketplace model can help ensure autonomy over critical policy decisions while also allowing state policymakers to capitalize on local knowledge and connections to reach underserved populations.</p>