States operating their own marketplaces have been able to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic by opening up Special Enrollment Periods–something the federal government has declined to do. (Photo: Shutterstock)
There are record levels of job losses these days, and many of the newly unemployed will turn to the health insurance exchanges set up under the Affordable Care Act, or Medicaid, for health coverage. The COVID-19 pandemic is a real-time example of why state control over health insurance enrollment is important to maintaining a sound financial budget, as well as maintaining affordability for consumers.
As the economic losses of the pandemic continue to take its toll, in a health crisis such as this, having a state-based exchange is critical from a state economic standpoint – it is more cost-effective and flexible in light of shrinking state budgets, revenue declines and increases in Medicaid costs.
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