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Press Release

Medica Files to Sell Individual Products Statewide in Iowa in 2018

June 19, 2017

MINNETONKA, Minn. — Medica today filed with the Iowa Insurance Department to sell individual health insurance products statewide for the 2018 coverage year.

Medica conducted a thorough evaluation of the Iowa market before committing to a statewide filing. The analysis became increasingly important as insurers announced their plans to withdraw from the state.

"When you find yourself as the only ones between people getting access to care and people not getting access to care, your view of the situation becomes very different," said Geoff Bartsh, Medica vice president of individual and family business. "We've filed with the intent to provide access to insurance for all Iowans, whether they are farmers, small business owners or other individuals who need coverage."

Medica today also filed proposed rates for 2018. For all products, the average filed rate increase is 43.5 percent.

Medica noted that a number of risks remain with its decision to provide coverage across Iowa, which is why it filed a 43.5 percent rate increase.

"Rate increases of 43 percent are not sustainable long term," Bartsh said. "We know this will impact people who do not currently receive a subsidy particularly hard. The bottom line is that the individual market still needs reform. We will continue to work with federal and state officials to provide the certainty and stability needed for markets to succeed long-term."

About Medica

Medica is a health services company headquartered in Minneapolis and active in the Upper Midwest. The non-profit company provides health care coverage in the employer, individual, Medicaid and Medicare markets in Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Medica also offers national network coverage to employers who have employees outside the Medica regional network.

Medica's vision is to be trusted in the community for our unwavering commitment to high quality, affordable health care.

Connect with Medica on Twitter @Medica4Me and Facebook at www.facebook.com/Medica4Me.

 

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