Independence Holding  Company (IHC) announced it was leaving the individual health Insurance market.  That makes 15 carriers that have left the market since the passage of the Affordable Care Act.  Some of the more notable carriers that have left the market are Principal Financial, World and American Republic (sister companies) and American Community.  IHC this week said that they have concluded that the conditions following the full implementation of the Affordable Care Act during 2014 will not be favorable for all but the very largest carriers and their distribution.

Carriers under the IHC group are Madison National, Standard Security Life, Independence American Insurance Company.   IHC’s small group and Ancillary products are not affected at this time and will continue.

What does this mean..  Well fewer carriers, will mean less competition, which will also mean higher premiums.  We have heard about some states the premium going up 80%  in Ohio, and 70% in Indiana.  Well those numbers might change now.

I remember, the campaign.. If you like your health plan you can keep it, if you like your doctor you can keep it.  Well if you had any of these 15 carriers you could not keep your health plan.  Many of them since you had to change plans, it is possible your doctor is no longer affiliated.

Eric Wilson

www.iSellHealth.com