Cancellation of Emblem Health's Small Group Coverage

We have entered the last quarter of the year and there are important items to discuss. This circulation addresses Emblem and HIP policyholders. Many of you have received notification that Emblem is terminating all plans for small groups effective 12-31-13. This also applies to groups that have Emblem through the LIA and HealthPass. Over the last several months we have brought notice of Emblem’s intention to leave the small group marketplace. In the future, Emblem  wants to offer plans that are compliant with the Affordable Care Act. The irony Emblem’s current offerings are more than compliant already.

A transition will not be automatic and the industry does not know how Emblem will proceed with this change. As of the writing of this article, Emblem has not disclosed plan designs or rates for 2014. This same lack of information is concurrent across all insurance companies that offer plans in New York.

I want you all to know that I am staying up to date on the situation. I hope to have a variety of options from Emblem and other providers shortly for review. Mainline will be able to illustrate and council on health insurance programs offered both on and off the Health Benefit Exchange. It appears there will be a larger selection of insurance companies offering plans in 2014. Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance providers that offer plans on the Health Benefit Exchange are also required to offer market rate plans off the Health Benefit Exchange.

As I mentioned earlier, I will be keeping you informed. Please look out for our articles and newsletters. Mainline will be posting articles periodically detailing the Affordable Care Act and issues that are important to you. Please visit our website  www.mainlineins.com to see  articles previously posted.

Regards,

Vincent and the Staff at Mainline Insurance

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