In the past two months, two insurers have announced they will no longer be selling health plans on the Wisconsin Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchange: Anthem and Molina.
Both insurers referenced the volatility and uncertainty surrounding the marketplace, thanks largely to Congress’ multiple failed attempts to repeal the ACA, as well as President Trump’s comments about letting the law implode. One particular issue of concern is the potential discontinuation of cost-sharing reduction payments made to insurers to help cover the subsidized premiums for low-income people.
Anthem currently covers approximately 18,500 Wisconsinites through the ACA exchange, and Molina covered about 55,000 people in 2016. While these two pullouts are a setback for the Wisconsin marketplace, the Badger State is left with more remaining carriers than many states. In 2017, Wisconsin has 15 insurance carriers, while some other states are down to just one.
