What Are Health Insurance Marketplaces and Exchanges?
Exchanges or marketplaces are services that enable enrollment in insurance either through a public or private forum. These forums are accessible through multiple portals and websites.
Louisiana Private Exchanges vs Public Exchanges
Private Exchanges
The private exchange is designed to be used by employers to allow employees the ability to enroll in whichever pre-selected plan the employers chose. The private exchange is also where individuals and small businesses shop and enroll for coverage during the open enrollment window. Consulting firms or brokers typically run the private exchange utilized by an employer.
The following carriers offer Louisiana coverage through private exchanges or third parties:
- UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance Company
- Vantage Health Plan
- Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana
- HMO Louisiana
- Humana
Public Exchanges
The public exchange for Louisiana is run by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), at the federal level, after Former Governor Bobby Jindal decided not to run a state-based marketplace when Obamacare was passed. When using the public exchange, your application will also verify if you qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or other discounts based on income level.
Louisiana Marketplace and Exchange Facts
