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The effect of offering standardized “Simple Choice” plans on premiums in the Federally Facilitated ACA marketplaces

Author

Listed:
  • Hopkins, Ben
  • Lyons, Sean

Abstract

Plan standardization policies aim to help consumers assess plan value by limiting variation in cost-sharing and directing attention towards premiums, networks, and formularies. They may also intensify issuer competition and lower premiums. We study one such policy–the introduction of standardized “Simple Choice” plans alongside non-standardized options in the 2017 ACA marketplaces–and estimate its effect on premiums. Across multiple identification strategies and robustness checks, we find that Simple Choice plans reduced premiums for bronze, silver, and gold tiers, including a 7.3% reduction in the benchmark premium.

Suggested Citation

  • Hopkins, Ben & Lyons, Sean, 2026. "The effect of offering standardized “Simple Choice” plans on premiums in the Federally Facilitated ACA marketplaces," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 108(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jhecon:v:108:y:2026:i:c:s0167629626000408
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2026.103142
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    JEL classification:

    • D40 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - General
    • G22 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Insurance; Insurance Companies; Actuarial Studies
    • I11 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Analysis of Health Care Markets
    • I13 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Insurance, Public and Private
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • L11 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Production, Pricing, and Market Structure; Size Distribution of Firms

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