September 15, 2017
BOISE, Idaho – Idahoans will continue to have a range of options for their medical and dental insurance plans in 2018. Today, the Your Health Idaho (YHI) Board of Directors approved 299 certified plans.
“Idahoans across the state will have a choice of health insurance carriers when open enrollment begins on November 1,” said Pat Kelly, executive director of Your Health Idaho. “Despite the limitations in other parts of the country, Idaho has maintained control of its marketplace to consistently provide consumer choice and access.” While one Idaho carrier, Bridgespan*, will not offer plans on the exchange in 2018, YHI still offers a robust choice of plans from eight medical and dental carriers.
Despite proposed rate increases, many consumers who purchase on the exchange may see little to no change in their 2018 premiums due to tax credits. The proposed rate increases for silver-level plans on the exchange are significantly higher this year because cost-sharing reduction subsidies are assumed to not be funded by the federal government. Tax credits will increase to offset the higher rates. For example, in 2018 the average monthly premium for the benchmark silver plan for a 35-year old, earning approximately $25,600 per year and receiving a tax credit, may increase by just one dollar a month. The Idaho Department of Insurance will finalize insurance rates next week.
YHI is the only place in the state where individuals can purchase health insurance and receive a tax credit to reduce the costs of their monthly premium. More than 84 percent of YHI customers receive tax credits. “It’s more important now than ever before that Idahoans contact a certified agent or enrollment counselor to help them select the right plan for their needs,” Kelly said.
Starting October 1, Idahoans can preview the 2018 health and dental insurance plans and networks by visiting www.YourHealthIdaho.org. The Open Enrollment period for 2018 plans is November 1 – December 15.
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Your Health Idaho was established by state law in 2013 to provide an online marketplace where Idaho families and small businesses can go to compare and purchase health insurance. Your Health Idaho is governed by a 19-member board authorized by the Idaho Legislature to set the rules and regulations for implementing a state-based health insurance exchange. For more information, please visit www.yourhealthidaho.org. You can also check us out on Facebook and Twitter.
* Former Bridgespan customers will be automatically enrolled in a comparable plan with another carrier on the exchange to avoid a lapse in coverage.