By: Tim Costa
The governor’s recent announcement that 9 commercial insurers successfully applied to participate in Healthy PA is another positive development as negotiations between Department of Public Welfare and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) continue.
Instead of simply expanding the state’s current Medicaid program, the Corbett Administration has sought a number of changes, including covering newly eligible individuals through commercial insurers. Federal guidance requires that persons have a choice of at least 2 plans to choose from when selecting an insurer. The news that 9 insurers successfully responded ensures that the commonwealth will be able to provide persons even more choice of plans and carriers. It also demonstrates an overwhelming commitment from the insurer community to make Healthy PA a success. This development is sure to help the commonwealth as it seeks to wrap up negotiations between DPW and CMS.