Last month, North Dakota enacted legislation to establish a state reinsurance program, and a number of states are considering similar bills. These reinsurance bills are intended to reduce premiums, boost enrollment in the individual market, and encourage insurance companies to continue to participate on the ACA marketplaces. But it’s critical that state-based consumer advocates engage with state officials to help inform the design and implementation of these programs. To help them do so on reinsurance and other critical health insurance issues, Community Catalyst  has launched a new website that will house a health insurance reform toolkit for advocates. With support from CHIR experts, the online resource will provide guides on a range of health policy issues that delve into key background information and important considerations for state officials and advocates.

First up is The Advocate’s Guide To Reinsurance. Reinsurance has largely proven effective for the first states to implement their own programs using a federal 1332 waiver. But like any policy, the value of reinsurance will depend on the state’s market environment and ultimate goals. Community Catalyst’s guide explores the costs and benefits of reinsurance, various policy and operational decisions at play, and other stakeholder considerations.

You can access the new website here, and read the reinsurance guide here.