Public health insurance exchange enrollment 'turbulent'

Only about one-third of individuals who enrolled for coverage in the federal health insurance exchange during the 2016 open season opted for the same plan as they had in 2015, according to a new analysis.

Of the 9.6 million people who chose coverage in the federal exchange, which is offered in the 38 states that declined to set up exchanges authorized by the health care reform law, 3.2 million, or 33%, kept their prior plan, according to the analysis released Thursday by Washington-based consultant Avalere Health L.L.C.

In addition, 2.4 million enrollees, or 25%, selected a new plan, while 4 million or 42%, were new enrollees.

“These data underscore how turbulent enrollment in the exchange market has been,” Caroline Pearson, an Avalere senior vice president in Washington said in a statement.

“Significant annual turnover is challenging for plans aiming to manage enrollees' health and patients seeking continuity of care,” Ms. Pearson added.