7 concerns brokers have with the ACA
January 27, 2015 2:58 AM
Overview
Benefitter asked the open-ended question, What do you want your legislators to know about the ACA? and 1,028 brokers responded. We had 50 single-spaced pages of feedback, says Benefitter CEO Brian Poger, 80% of which was critical. Here are the top seven concerns:
7) Compressed timeline
This was a top concern for 4% of brokers.
The fact that most small groups renew in December combined with the open enrollment periods for Medicare and individual plans makes for a compressed timeline.
The fact that most small groups renew in December combined with the open enrollment periods for Medicare and individual plans makes for a compressed timeline.
6) Employer dumping
This was a top concern for 5% of brokers.
Several brokers said many of their group clients have dropped benefits and transitioned their employees to the individual market.
Several brokers said many of their group clients have dropped benefits and transitioned their employees to the individual market.
5) Other law nuances
This was a top concern for 11% of brokers.
Website malfunctions, the uneven expansion of Medicaid and confusion over grandmothering have led to frustration.
Website malfunctions, the uneven expansion of Medicaid and confusion over grandmothering have led to frustration.
4) Plan quality
This was a top concern for 11% of brokers.
Many said health insurance products have diminished in quality with higher deductibles and more narrow networks.
Many said health insurance products have diminished in quality with higher deductibles and more narrow networks.
3) Reduced role of brokers
This was a top concern for 21% of brokers.
Limits on medical loss ratio and other factors have resulted in reduced commissions despite an increased workload.
Limits on medical loss ratio and other factors have resulted in reduced commissions despite an increased workload.
2) Increased complexity
This was a top concern for 22% of brokers.
The complex regulatory environment has made it more difficult and more time consuming to educate clients.
The complex regulatory environment has made it more difficult and more time consuming to educate clients.
1) Rate increases
This was a top concern for 26% of brokers.
Significantly higher premiums for their group clients is the top complaint brokers have with the health care law.
Significantly higher premiums for their group clients is the top complaint brokers have with the health care law.
