Next is approval by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council for Affordable Health Insurance (CAHI) salutes Nebraska's decision to recognize Americans' most personal decisions -- those impacting their health and the health and welfare of their families -- by choosing an affordable high deductible health insurance package for Nebraska's minimum standard state health plan.
High deductible plans puts Nebraskans in control of their health care with a 'Nebraska Option' for the federally required Essential Health Benefit Plan package. September 30, 2012 was the deadline under the federal health care law for states to decide on an 'essential health benefits package' as a benchmark for insurance coverage. Essential Health Benefits is a federally required set of health care service categories that must be covered by all health plans being sold in a state, starting in 2014. The plans set the floor for the amount and types of coverage that must be available serving the individual and small group markets.
"Our members applaud Governor Heineman and his choice for Nebraskans because we believe the Obama Administration's 'one-size-fits-all' big government approach creates a health care delivery system which has little regard for the unique characteristics of this great nation's states and citizens," stated CAHI's interim Executive Director, Marianne Eterno. "The choice of an affordable high deductible health insurance package is a good faith attempt to produce the best possible outcome within the constraints of Obamacare. We are pleased to note the high deductible health insurance package mirrors what CAHI has advocated for the last twenty years."
"Governor Heineman's decision to select an affordable health insurance package to be the minimum standard for health insurance plans in the state is insightful and pragmatic," added Victoria Craig Bunce, CAHI Director of Research and Policy.
"Nebraska is giving its consumers the power to make those most personal of decisions for themselves. CAHI is eager to work with Nebraska and other states as they implement these important principles," said Roy Ramthun, CAHI Director of Federal Affairs.
Since 1992, CAHI has been the principled, free-market voice protecting and promoting access, affordability and choice in American health care. CAHI's membership includes health insurers, small businesses, physicians, actuaries, insurance producers and brokers and consumers. It's your health; it's your choice.
SOURCE Council for Affordable Health Insurance