State-run health exchange sites to receive federal help

While many of the state-run health insurance marketplace sites have been successful from the beginning, others haven’t done well and have experienced technical glitches similar to the federal website. According to The Associated Press, the Obama administration took steps on Feb. 27 to help those states that need assistance with their sites.

CBS News reported only those who enrolled in insurance benefits through the federal and state-run marketplaces are able to quality for federal tax credits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The subsidies make it easier for those on limited or tight budgets to afford healthcare because the credits reduces plan costs. However, it has been difficult for Americans to sign up for coverage through the public exchanges because they experienced technical glitches, leading many to turn to the individual market. The administration’s fix is to allow people to receive tax credits for buying insurance outside of the marketplace. The policy change is available to any state.

“We recognize that some states have experienced difficulties in processing automated eligibility determinations and enrollments, and (are) providing options to marketplaces to ensure eligible consumers have access to financial assistance and issuers are paid,” the administration said in a statement, according to The Associated Press.

Maryland is one of the states that stands to benefit from the policy fix.