Iowa insurance division to hold public hearings on Affordable Care Act fix

The Iowa Insurance Division is seeking feedback on its proposed short-term fix to the state's individual insurance market through three public hearings, including one in Cedar Rapids.

In June, Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen submitted the proposed stopgap measure — which still must be approved by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services — which would provide consumers with age- and income-based tax credits as well as use a reinsurance mechanism for costly medical claims.

Ommen believes the tax credits will bring in more healthy and young individuals to the Affordable Care Act marketplace, which would help better spread out costs. In addition, the use of reinsurance would attract insurers back to the marketplace, he has said.

Minnesota-based Medica is the only remaining insurer selling statewide plans, but Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield has committed to coming back to the marketplace if the measure is approved.

The Insurance Division still is working with the federal government to ensure approval, the agency said, adding it anticipates having a third-party economic analysis in late July.

Written comments will be accepted through 4:30 p.m., Aug. 14. Comments may be submitted in writing via U.S. mail to the Iowa Insurance Division: Attn: Public Comments, 601 Locust St., Fourth Floor, Des Moines, Iowa 50309.

Public hearings regarding the Iowa Stopgap Measure will be held:

[naviga:h3 style="padding-left: 60px;"]Wednesday, July 19

5:30–6:30 p.m.

Council Bluffs Public Library

Meeting Room B

400 Willow Ave., Council Bluffs, 51503

[naviga:h3 style="padding-left: 60px;"]Wednesday, Aug. 2

5:30–6:30 p.m.

Des Moines Central Public Library

Central Library Meeting Room

1000 Grand Ave., Des Moines, 50309

[naviga:h3 style="padding-left: 60px;"]Thursday, Aug. 10

5:30–6:30 p.m.

Cedar Rapids Public Library

Beems A/B Room

450 Fifth Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, 52401