Retirees give thumbs up to health insurance exchanges

The reviews are in, and retirees give the thumbs up to health insurance exchanges. In an independent survey of 443 retirees who use a health insurance exchange to compare and choose private individual Medicare and supplement plans, 85% of their reviews were positive. Top-rated responses were:

“Our retiree customers are at the leading edge of what is next in healthcare - individuals with access to health insurance through an exchange”

• Health insurance exchanges are a welcome addition to the U.S. health insurance system; and
• Everyone should have access to a health insurance exchange.

When asked the most appealing aspect of health insurance exchanges, the number one cited answer was "Exchanges make it easier to compare and select plans that meet my needs and budget."

The survey was fielded in June and July 2010 by Extend Health, Inc., which operates the largest private Medicare exchange in the country at www.ExtendHealth.com.

"Our retiree customers are at the leading edge of what is next in healthcare - individuals with access to health insurance through an exchange," said Bryce Williams, CEO of Extend Health. "These survey results suggest that the exchanges authorized by health care reform legislation passed earlier this year will be greeted with enthusiasm when they go into operation for individuals and small businesses in 2014."