CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is joining more than half a dozen states, so far, in rejecting President Barack Obama’s proposal which allows health insurance companies to renew plans not in compliance with the Affordable Care Act for one more year.
On Thursday, state Insurance Commissioner Mike Riley said the “single year” re-enrollment proposal is not necessary in West Virginia because of the proactive steps taken, this year, to allow for a transition period that is “consistent with the existing law.”
“The abrupt CCIIO (Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight) proposal comes at a time when West Virginia employers, citizens and insurance carriers have already made extensive changes to comply with the new law,” Riley said in a statement.
“In order to avoid further confusion, provide market stability, mitigate potential rate impacts of the CCIIO proposal, and regulate the West Virginia insurance market in accordance with the existing law, we have decided to maintain our current direction.”
President Barack Obama announced the possible change last week after millions of Americans received cancellation notices, despite his repeated claims that people who liked their health insurance would be able to keep it under the Affordable Care Act.
Insurance is regulated differently in each state, so it is up to state officials to make the final decision on any delay.
Earlier this week, New York became the largest state to reject the proposal. The other states that have opted out of the extension, along with West Virginia, include Minnesota, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Washington and Vermont.
In addition to information available at healthcare.gov, questions about the Affordable Care Act and health insurance enrollment can be directed to in-person assisters at local offices for the Department of Health and Human Resources or the Bureau of Senior Services.
Those with the Consumer Services Division of the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner are also available by calling 1-888-879-9842.