Wellmark decides not to participate in health insurance exchange in Iowa in 2015

Contrary to a story in USA Today, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield announced Friday that it would not participate in the federally-facilitated Health Insurance Marketplace (public exchange) in Iowa for 2015.  Midwest Group Benefits spokesperson Brian Huinker says he had expected the move in the wake of the Obama administration's decision to delay the deadline to have an ACA plan to October 1st of 2016.

Meanwhile, also on Friday, Wellmark announced it will file an application with the Iowa Insurance Division to increase premiums for its individual policy holders up to 5.9 percent for their 2015 health insurance premiums.

Wellmark will file its requested rates for the individual and small group market with the state by July 7th.  In Iowa, individuals and small groups comprise around 250,000 Wellmark members.