COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – Aetna’s decision to leave the federal exchange in 11 states means 8,000 South Carolinians will need new health insurance coverage in 2017.
State Insurance Director Ray Farmer said Tuesday he was surprised by Aetna’s announcement, as his agency was still reviewing the company’s application for 2017 coverage and rate plans.
This year, Aetna provided policies through HealthCare.gov in just 14 of South Carolina’s 46 counties. Those customers represent about 4 percent of the 216,000 residents covered through the exchange.
UnitedHealthcare announced its pullback plans several months ago, affecting about 500 people in five counties.
Currently, that leaves just BlueCross BlueShield, and its HMO subsidiary, BlueChoice, selling through the exchange.
Farmer declined to discuss potential new entries in the marketplace in 2017. His agency expects to announce approvals in early October.
