In an effort to reduce the nation’s uninsured population, a coalition of large employers recently opened the National Health Access (NHA) program for enrollment. Targeting workers and their dependents that generally are not eligible for employer-sponsored insurance (part-time, seasonal, contractors, consultants, and pre-65 retirees), the NHA program pools workers across 60 large employers so that workers can access six plan options with varying levels of coverage. The program opened for enrollment in September 2005 for a January 2006 effective date. Workers may also enroll in February 2006 for an April 1, 2006 effective date.
The NHA program allows access to the group purchasing power of large employers. Workers will be able to take advantage of lower rates, more stable premiums, and some major medical products will have fewer underwriting barriers than traditional individual market products have. According to plan proponents, an estimated 1.25 million workers and their dependents may be eligible.
For a list of the six plan options, please visit the March 2005 issue of St@teside.
