Only ObamaCare insurer in most of Iowa may pull out of exchanges

The vast majority of counties in Iowa could have zero insurers on the ObamaCare exchanges next year after another company announced it may not participate in 2018. 

Medica said in a statement Wednesday it would pull out of the exchanges if Congress does not move quickly to stabilize the markets. 

“Without swift action by the state or Congress to provide stability to Iowa’s individual insurance market, Medica will not be able to serve the citizens of Iowa in the manner and breadth that we do today. We are examining the potential of limited offerings, but our ability to stay in the Iowa insurance market in any capacity is in question at this point,” Medica said in a statement. 

Aetna and Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield announced last month they would pull out of Iowa’s individual insurance market next year. 

{mosads}If Medica leaves, all but five counties in the state would have no insurers to choose from on the exchanges. 

Medica’s announcement comes as insurers continue to get mixed signals from the Trump administration. 

Insurers are anxious about whether the Trump administration will continue with key ObamaCare insurer payments, which reimburse them for giving discounted deductibles and copays to low-income individuals. 

The White House said Tuesday it has not decided whether it will continue the cost-sharing reduction payments after May. 

Insurers are also nervous about what will happen with the GOP’s plan to repeal and replace ObamaCare. 

House GOP leaders are still working on getting the votes for their plan, which would have an impact on how insurers operate in 2018. 

Insurers have to file rates and plans for 2018 in June. 

About 16 counties in Tennessee will also have no insurers on the exchanges next year, unless another company moves to fill those gaps.