“Authorized by the federal Affordable Care Act, the state-created exchange is expected to open Oct. 1 for coverage in 2014. [State Insurance Commissioner] Kreidler’s ruling limits the Exchange to the three principal companies already in the outside market for individual coverage ¬¬— an unhappy result that should be changed.”
“… in 19 of the 39 counties, the only offerings will be from Premera or its affiliate, Lifewise. That Premera offers coverage in these rural counties is commendable, but one player does not make a competitive market.”
The state of Washington has approved too few health insurers in the new insurance exchange set to open Oct. 1
Seattle Times Editorial
August 23, 2013
http://seattletimes.com/html/editorials/2021676531_editkreidlerhealthexchangesxml.html