What Are Health Insurance Marketplaces and Exchanges?
Exchanges or marketplaces are services that enable enrollment in insurance through a public or private forum. These forums are accessible through multiple portals and websites.
Tennessee Private Exchanges vs Public Exchanges
Private Exchanges
The private exchange is designed for employers to allow employees to enroll in a preselected company health insurance plan. It is also where individuals and small businesses shop and enroll for coverage during the open enrollment window. Consulting firms or brokers typically run the private exchange utilized by an employer.
`The following carriers are available on private exchanges or via third parties in Tennessee:
- UnitedHealthcare
- BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
- Cigna Healthcare
- Aetna
- TRH Health Insurance Company
- UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance Company
- Celtic Insurance Company
- Humana
Public Exchanges
The public exchange for Tennessee is run by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), at the federal level, after Governor Haslam decided not to run a state-based marketplace after determining that it would not be in the best interest for Tennessee.
When using the public exchange, your application will also verify if you qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or other discounts based on income level.
The following carriers are available on the Tennessee public exchange:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee
- Cigna
- Humana
Tennessee Marketplace and Exchange Facts
