State roundup: Exchange, Medicaid expansion updates

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There's been a lot of action throughout the states ahead of the next open enrollment period for health insurance exchanges. Meanwhile, some state officials are still considering whether to expand their Medicaid programs. Here's a roundup of the recent news across states.

Florida: Insurers are hoping to see a membership boost in Florida this coming open enrollment season. As of June, there were more than 866,000 individuals enrolled in exchange plans, and insurers expect a 23 percent increase, totaling 1.1 million, by next year, reported Health News Florida.

Oregon: Meanwhile, Oregon is holding a special open enrollment period for 1,400 consumers who were wrongly enrolled into the Oregon Health Plan, which is the state's version of Medicaid. Officials with the state exchange, Cover Oregon, are reaching out to affected consumers, who will lose their OHP coverage Aug. 31. Officials also are contacting another 700 people who were incorrectly allowed to enroll in a private exchange plan but are supposed to be receiving coverage through OHP, Oregon Live reported.

Washington: Washington state is also opening a special enrollment period, which started yesterday and will last through the day before regular enrollment begins. Anyone who has been affected by the state's exchange glitches, including enrollment, billing or payment problems, can sign up for different plans. Washington officials are letting insurers create their own requirements determining whether consumers are eligible for the special enrollment, reported LifeHealthPro.

Arizona: In Medicaid expansion news, the Arizona Supreme Court has agreed to hear Gov. Jan Brewer's challenge of an appeals court decision that effectively voided the state's Medicaid expansion plans, according to the Arizona Republic.

Wyoming: Gov. Matt Mead has been talking with federal officials about potentially expanding the state's Medicaid program. Although he still has concerns about the expansion, Mead said the state desperately needs the additional funds it would receive if it expands the program, the Associated Press reported.

To learn more:
- see the Health News Florida article
- check out the LifeHealthPro article
- read the Oregon Live article
- see the Arizona Republic article
- check out the AP article

Related Articles:
Challenges plague upcoming enrollment period
Uninsured rates drop in states expanding Medicaid, running own exchange
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Cost deters Medicaid expansion