Document Type
Report
Publication Date
6-4-2009
Abstract
Non-group health insurance is coverage that individuals purchase on their own rather than as part of a group. Most states currently permit non-group insurers to underwrite, a process whereby an insurer assesses the health and other characteristics of individuals to determine their likely utilization of health services or risk; insurers then use this assessment to determine whether they will offer coverage and the premium they will charge. Policymakers have identified underwriting and related practices in non-group markets as a target for reform to enable broader access for the currently uninsured. This publication reviews the characteristics of non-group markets and insurers' strategies for managing risk presented by people seeking non-group coverage. It also outlines relevant non-group market rules now in force in the states and considers how national rules might affect current markets.
Recommended Citation
Linehan, Kathryn, "Underwriting in the Non-Group Health Insurance Market: The Fundamentals" (2009). National Health Policy Forum. Paper 217.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/sphhs_centers_nhpf/217
Open Access
yes
Included in
Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Health and Medical Administration Commons, Health Law and Policy Commons, Health Services Administration Commons, Health Services Research Commons
Comments
Background paper no. 69