Two of Minnesota's biggest health plans said Thursday they have temporarily suspended sales of individual health insurance policies because of uncertainty related to the new federal health reform law.
The moves by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and HealthPartners came on the same day some of the federal government's most-heralded consumer protections came into effect.
A third health plan, Medica, is continuing to sell individual policies.
The insurers that have suspended individual sales say they are awaiting guidance on new rules, including those around coverage of kids with pre-existing conditions. They say they expect to resume sales soon, as new guidelines become clear.
Insurers are required to submit new policy applications to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, which scrutinizes rates and coverage.
"The policies have not yet been approved by our regulators, who are awaiting additional guidance on federal guidelines," said Amy Von Walter, a spokeswoman for Bloomington-based HealthPartners.
Pam Lux, a spokeswoman for Eagan-based Blue Cross, said she expects the suspension of individual sales to be brief but could not say if it would be days or weeks.
About 5 percent of Minnesotans get health insurance in the individual market. Those who already have individual policies, as well as those with group plans and large, self-insured companies are not affected.
