HHS has delayed the final approval dates for health plans that will be sold through the new insurance exchanges, according to a report fromThe Hill.
The federal government will sign final participation agreements with health insurers in mid-September rather than Sept. 5-9 as originally planned, according to the report. HHS said the extra time will ensure plans are properly displayed in the exchanges and technical issues are fixed. The exchanges will still open on time despite the delay, according to HHS.
Republicans have criticized the decision. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Ranking Member Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) called the delay one of many "warning signs" pointing to an eventual "train wreck."
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