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August 6, 2013

State issues ACA insurance exchange comparisons

The state’s Bureau of Insurance has released a side-by-side comparison of two plans it wants to allow on a state exchange, where people who don’t otherwise have insurance can buy it.

The Portland Press Herald reported the state comparisons show that both plans — from Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Maine Community Health Options — will range from around $200 to $600 per month depending on factors like age, geography, smoking and the type of coverage.

The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will have the final say over whether the plans make it onto Maine’s exchange.

Maine residents will be able to buy insurance using the online exchange starting Oct. 1 for plans that will start Jan. 1. State officials expect that less than 10% of consumers will buy their insurance through the state exchange, which are a key part of the federal Affordable Care Act.

The plans that will debut on the exchange include “bronze” plans, which have lower premiums and higher deductibles and “silver” and “gold” plans that have more benefits with higher monthly premiums.

Both insurers adjust their rates based on age, geography and type of coverage, but only Anthem’s plan factors in tobacco use to adjust rates.

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