CMS MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJuly 26, 2017
Contact: CMS Media Relations
(202) 690-6145 | CMS Media Inquiries

2018 Health Insurance Exchanges Issuer County Map

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services today posted an update to the Health Insurance ExchangesIssuer County Map. This map is of projected issuer participation on the Health Insurance Exchanges in 2018 based on the known issuer public announcements through July 26, 2017. Participation is expected to fluctuate and does not represent actual Exchange application submissions.

Recent data shows that between 2016 and 2017, the average premium increase for all Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) offered on the Health Insurance Exchange in the individual market was 21.6 percent. Also, carrier participation in the Health Insurance Exchange has seen a 31.2 percent decrease since its peak participation in 2015.

This map currently shows that nationwide 40 counties are projected to have no issuers, meaning that Americans in these counties could be without coverage on the Exchanges in 2018. It’s also projected that 1,332 counties - over 40 percent of counties nationwide – could have only one issuer in 2018. This could represent more than 2.3 million Exchange participants that will only have one choice and may not be able to receive the coverage they need. Currently for 2018, at least 27,660 Americans currently enrolled for health coverage on the Exchanges live in the counties projected to be without coverage in 2018.

WHAT: Health Insurance Exchange Issuer Participation for the 2018 Coverage Year

WHEN: Wednesday, July 26^th at 2:00PM EST

WHO: Centers for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (CCIIO)