CMS reports on 2019 plans at HealthCare.gov; window-shopping begins

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services today updated the window-shopping feature at HealthCare.gov to allow consumers to preview 2019 health plans and prices before open enrollment begins Nov. 1. According to a new CMS report on the states using HealthCare.gov, the number of plan issuers participating in the 2019 exchange increased to 155 from 132 for 2018. Five states will have only one issuer, down from eight in 2018. The average monthly premium for a 2019 benchmark plan (the second-lowest cost silver plan) will fall by 2 percent to $405, while the average advance premium tax credit will fall by 3 percent to $544. Thirty-nine states are using HealthCare.gov, the federally-facilitated health insurance exchange, for 2019 open enrollment in the individual health insurance market. For more information, see the CMS factsheet.