What Are Health Insurance Marketplaces and Exchanges?
Exchanges or marketplaces are services that enable enrollment in insurance either through a public or private forum. These forums are accessible through multiple portals and websites.
Kansas Private Exchanges vs Public Exchanges
Private Exchanges
The private exchange is designed to be used by companies to allow employees to enroll in their pre-selected health insurance plan. The private exchange also is where individuals and small businesses shop and enroll for coverage during the open enrollment window. Consulting firms or brokers typically run the private exchange utilized by an employer.
The following carriers are available on the private exchanges available in Kansas:
- Coventry Health and Life
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City
- American Medical Security Life Ins CO
- UnitedHealthcare
Public Exchanges
The public exchange for Kansas is run by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), at the federal level, after Governor Brownback decided not to run a state-based marketplace. When using the public exchange, your application will also verify if you qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or other discounts based on income level.
The following carriers are available on the public exchange in Kansas:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas Solutions
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City (only covers two counties in Kansas City)
- Medica Insurance Company
Kansas Marketplace and Exchange Facts
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