Mississippi Health Insurance Exchange Would Expand Access To Coverage For Small-Business Employees, Supporters Say

Main Category: Health Insurance / Medical Insurance
Article Date: 07 Feb 2008 - 10:00 PDT

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A health insurance exchange program proposed by Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour (R) would provide workers at more than 50,000 small businesses with better access to health care, proponents of the plan say, the Jackson Clarion-Ledger reports. In addition, supporters say the program would reduce businesses' overhead costs and allow employees to purchase a policy with pretax dollars.

Under the proposal, a not-for-profit agency, or some other agency established by the state, would serve as the clearinghouse for multiple health insurance plans and other coverage options. State officials estimate that it would cost about $1.5 million to launch the program, and legislative action would be needed to create the agency.

The program would target uninsured residents who do not have access to private health insurance and do not qualify for Medicaid. Workers would purchase coverage, which would be portable, and employer and employee contributions to health plans would be tax-free. Although legislation has not been drafted, lawmakers appear willing to work on the proposal, according to the Clarion-Ledger. However, Therese Hanna, director of the not-for-profit Center for Mississippi Health Policy, said the proposal would "improve accessibility but may not improve affordability" (Rupp, Jackson Clarion-Ledger, 2/4).

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