BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee sold 133,291 health insurance policies to consumers using HealthCare.gov, the online shopping portal created by the health care reform law.
BlueCross sold 88 percent of the Marketplace plans issued in Tennessee, and was the only company to make policies available to consumers in all 95 Tennessee counties. According to Kaiser Health News, BlueCross has some of the lowest priced plans in the country.
Nationally, federal officials are reporting more than eight million policies were sold on federal and state-run Marketplaces, formerly known as exchanges. BlueCross ranked 12th nationally in overall enrollment on all Federally-facilitated Marketplaces among all health plans offering products.
“The most important thing about our results is that thousands of previously uninsured Tennesseans now have the peace of mind that goes along with health coverage,” said Henry Smith, BlueCross senior vice president and chief marketing officer. “We had ambitious goals and exceeded them, which is good for Tennesseans, both the people who now have coverage and the health care providers who care for them.”
The Marketplace concept is a central part of the Affordable Care Act, with the goal to make affordable health insurance available to the uninsured, in part due to financial assistance to help pay premiums for those who qualify.
Following are some consumer insights from BlueCross’ Marketplace enrollment:
- 26 percent of BlueCross Marketplace members are 18-34, while 29 percent are older than 55
- In metro areas where BlueCross’ high-value Network E was available, at least 55 percent of consumers chose that option
- 80 percent of Marketplace subscribers received a premium subsidy
- 30 percent of BlueCross’ Marketplace policies were sold in the Nashville area, 16 percent in Knoxville, 14 percent in Memphis and 11 percent in Chattanooga
- 73 percent of policies purchased were Silver plans (policies were marketed as Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum)
“Our staff spent a lot of time with Tennessee consumers educating them about the Marketplace, to answer their questions and to help them make decisions,” Mr. Smith said. “I am very proud of them and expect Tennesseans will count on them in even greater numbers next fall, when Marketplace open enrollment begins again.”