I'm quite impressed with several things about this thread...
1. The civil tone of the discussion--if we'd get the same behavior from both sides of "The Aisle" (and from the media), we'd have a better solution in place already.
2. The general knowledge of the group--even the MLR (medical loss rebate) difference between small group (<50 ee's, 80%) and large group (85%). A lot of insurance people don't know that--and there are a very small percentage who know how to help an employer calculate the distribution!! (okay, i'm one who can...and i'm proud of our agency for being committed to training and technology)
3. The opportunity to hear from consumers who have taken the time and effort to arm themselves with information.
4. That folks among this group would understand WHY many plans needed to be cancelled. No requirement to cancel them, but it's almost impossible to be effective in filing for so many amendments on existing plans.
I would caution that while we may see some very recognizable insurance company names in our respective exchanges, but the provider networks have tended to be much smaller than what we've come to expect. I'd expect the retail (non-exchange) networks to narrow as well, but those will usually be broader. Just know that seeing a name that you've known to have a huge network--carefully look at the network they are offering for the plan you consider. (those of us who need to see a specialist or might want to visit an emergency room in a different state for a non-life threatening emergency might want to be especially careful--think 10 stitches for a foot cut on a beach in Florida billed at $4,000 with no coverage to help).
Someone suggested selecting an agent who has sought education on the topic--wise advise. I am greatly impressed with some of our competitors in our area, and with many of the folks that are in my online study groups. At the same time--i'm equally embarrassed for my industry when I listen in to some of the Q & A sessions on webinars--it's simply sad. It's not a time to "sell" health insurance, it's an opportunity to provide the most valuable service that we could have imagined--and far too many "agents" have squandered that chance.
Thanks to all for keeping it peaceful--be careful out there!!
earl