Ferris W. Taylor, HealthCare Executive Group Office of the Chair and Past COO, Arches Health Plan presented “The Future of the State Exchanges: Post Election” at a special pre-conference event of the 2017 American Association of Payers, Administrators & Networks (AAPAN) Annual Forum in Tuscon, AZ on January 28th, 2017.
In his presentation – which can be found here – Ferris shared his real-world experience and perspective on state-based health insurance exchanges and how exchanges in particular and the ACA in general may be impacted in the coming months and years. Ferris admitted that he needed to look into his crystal ball for ‘assistance’ on a few of his thoughts. Some highlights from the presentation and ensuing discussions with forum attendees include:
- The ‘Affordable Care Act’ could also have been titled the ‘Accessible Care Act’
Access alone is not enough. The Triple Aim dictates that Access, Cost and Quality must be simultaneously addressed in order for true healthcare reform to be achieved.
- State-based Exchanges are better positioned than others
States that implemented their own exchanges are better positioned to respond to any reform approach ultimately decided by the Administration and Congress.
- Confidence in the Public Exchange has been falling dramatically year over year
Ferris shared some preliminary results from The Industry Pulse, an annual research survey hosted by Change Healthcare that is based on HCEG’s yearly Top 10 list, and pointed out that the three exchange-related items that actually improved year over year were items within control of health plans:
- Direct Sales (Web-based)
- Single Payer Private Exchanges
- Storefront/Retail
- Insurance Market Reform Options and Market Support Considerations
Ferris shared two information-packed slides outlining various health care reform options being floated by President Trump, HHS nominee Tom Price, Speaker Paul Ryan and others – including the ACA Replacement plan proposed by Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Susan Collins (R-ME) which would largely give individual states the option to continue operating under existing ACA regulations.
Look closely…that’s a turtle under there!
- Trigger Points & Timeline – and Things to Watch
Ferris and the attendees had a lively discussion surrounding key ‘trigger points’ related to healthcare reform and some ‘Things to Watch.’ See the presentation here for more information on these two presentation topics.
Additional Info on Potential Impact to ACA and Health Insurance Exchanges
“Healthcare Triage: Fixing the exchanges” – The Incidental Economist – @IncidentalEcon
“Milliman identifies six key questions arising from the Trump/ACA executive order” – Milliman – @millimaninsight
“What’s Next for U.S. Healthcare Under Trump?” – LEK – @LEK_Consulting
“President Trump and the Affordable Care Act: What Happens Now?” – Schulte Roth & Zabel – @SRZLawFirm
