d . Avenue H

Avenue H

Purpose

U.C.A. 63N-11-101

Avenue H is Utah’s Small Business Health Insurance Marketplace . Since its creation in 2009, Avenue H has helped small businesses (1-50 employees) statewide provide insurance to employees . Avenue H’s process lets business owners choose a defined contribution amount for each employee . In addition, employees pick their own health care benefits from a variety of medical, dental and Health Savings Accounts . Enrollment is simple, taking place online and allowing employees to compare plans that will best fit their needs.

Key Initiatives

The legislative task force for health system reform officially decided to relinquish control over Utah’s state-based health insurance exchange, turning it over to the United States Department of Health and Human Services . The health system reform task force, chaired by Rep . James A . Dunnigan, recommended an amendment to H .B . 336, which the Legislature passed . On May 23, 2017, Gov . Herbert signed the bill into law . It “amends the duties of the Office of Consumer Health Services (OCHS) within the Governor’s Office of Economic Development to require the office to wind down the small employer health insurance exchange known as Avenue H.” Key initiatives began immediately and will wrap up no later than June 30, 2018 .

Contact

Sue Watson

Director 801-538-8883 spwatson@utah.gov

Data

Avenue H will remain open during the transition, continuing to support new and existing customers .

The number of participating small businesses slightly increased during FY 2017 . Total enrolled member count decreased by nearly 1,700 . Today small businesses have the option to purchase group insurance direct from an insurer or through Avenue H . In 2018 small businesses can visit Healthcare .gov to view their group coverage options . Avenue H is no longer be available to new and renewing groups effective January 1, 2018 .

Challenges and Achievements:

Uncertainty in the marketplace, fueled by an intense state and national debate over the ACA (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010) has been the number one challenge for Avenue H . Throughout the challenges, this past year Avenue H has implemented new tools to enhance our consumer’s online shopping and enrollment experience . Implementation of a comprehensive plan was also developed to “wind down” operations in a way that is least disruptive to existing members and stakeholders .