Health Exchange Reports Progress

Idaho’s new health insurance exchange still is seeing frustrating computer system delays, but it’s accomplishing its other goals: In-state people are taking the calls from consumers, the state’s Department of Insurance is regulating the plans offered, and buyers are being referred to Idaho insurance agents and brokers. Plus, Idahoans should save millions over the coming year, compared to the cost of letting the federal government run its exchange. That’s because buyers of plans on federally run exchanges pay a 3.5 percent fee to cover the cost of the exchange; Idaho’s fee is just 1.5 percent. “We do have confidence we can do this cheaper than the feds can,” Amy Dowd, executive director of YourHealthIdaho.org, told state lawmakers on Monday/ Betsy Russell , Eye on Boise. More here.

Question: Has anyone you know signed up with the health exchange?