AMA Supports ‘Open Market’ Model for Health Exchanges

During its semi-annual meeting on Tuesday, the American Medical Association endorsed an "open marketplace" structure for the reform law's health insurance exchanges, which are set to be implemented in 2014. AMA said the open market approach would allow all insurers that meet minimum standards to participate in the exchange. AMA said an "active purchaser" model -- in which states would negotiate directly with insurers and allow only certain plans to join the exchanges -- could hinder competition and limit patients' options.

• "Doctors Back 'Open Market' Insurance Exchanges" (Selyukh, Reuters, 11/15).
• "AMA Opposes 'Active Purchaser' Model for Exchanges" (Baker, "Healthwatch," The Hill, 11/15).