What are health insurance marketplaces and exchanges?
Exchanges or marketplaces are services that enable enrollment in insurance either through a public or private forum. These forums are accessible through multiple portals and websites.
Pennsylvania Private Exchanges vs Public Exchanges
Private Exchanges
The private exchange is designed to be used by employers to allow employees to enroll in a preselected company health insurance plan. It is also where individuals and small businesses shop and enroll for coverage during the open enrollment window. Consulting firms or brokers typically run the private exchange utilized by an employer.
The following carriers are available on private exchanges or via third parties in Pennsylvania:
- Highmark
- UPMC Health Options
- UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance Company
- Aetna
Public Exchanges
The public exchange for Pennsylvania is run by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) at the federal level. Former Governor Corbett determined it was not in the best interest of Pennsylvania to have a state-run exchange. While Pennsylvania did briefly consider moving to a state-run exchange in 2015, it was ultimately decided to continue to allow the federal government to run the exchange.
When using the public exchange, your application will also verify if you qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or other discounts based on income level.
The following carriers are available through the Pennsylvania exchange:
- Aetna
- Capital Advantage Assurance
- First Priority
- Geisinger Health Plan
- Geisinger Quality Options
- Highmark BCBS
- HM Health Insurance
- Keystone Health Plan
- QCC Insurance Company
- UPMC Health Options
Pennsylvania Marketplace and Exchange Facts
https://www.healthinsurance.org/Pennsylvania-state-health-insurance-exchange/
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