Tennessee: PRELIMINARY avg. 2020 #ACA exchange premiums: 1.1% DECREASE; BCBSTN expanding coverage areas

Sun, 07/14/2019 - 4:05pm

A new set of proposals provide some of the strongest evidence yet that Obamacare -- once on the verge of collapse in Tennessee -- has stabilized.

The state’s largest insurance company, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, plans to reenter the Affordable Care Act marketplace in Nashville, Memphis and surrounding counties next year, providing another option for residents on Obamacare. Additionally, two other insurance companies that already offer Obamacare in these cities, Cigna and Oscar Health, are planning to significantly reduce the cost of their coverage plans.

Although the proposals are not final, it appears Tennesseans will have more options and competitive prices in the coming year, said Kevin Walters, a spokesman for the Department of Commerce and Insurance.

"It’s important that people remember that the rates aren’t just numbers on a page," Walters said. "The rates impact people’s lives, their businesses and their ability to provide insurance for their families. The tighter market and the increased choices are good news."

Five insurance companies that currently offer Obamacare coverage plan to continue to do so next year, according to the department. The companies have submitted the following proposals to state regulators for approval:

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee: Expanding coverage into Nashville, Memphis and surrounding counties. Proposed 2020 rate request seeking an average increase of 1.4%.

Bright Health: Coverage continues in Knoxville, Memphis and Nashville areas; rates increase an average of 2.93%.

Celtic/Ambetter Insurance: Coverage continues in Chattanooga and Memphis and expands into Nashville and Knoxville; rates decrease an average 1.6%.

Cigna: Coverage continues in Knoxville, Nashville, Memphis and the Tri-Cities area and expands into Chattanooga, Jackson and surrounding counties; premiums decrease 5.7%.

Oscar Health: Coverage continues in Nashville and Memphis; rates decrease an average of 8.3%.