Protecting Nebraska Policyholders

March 4, 2015 Leave a comment


Governor Pete Ricketts

Governor Pete Ricketts

Thousands of Nebraskans are being encouraged to quickly change their health care coverage due to the collapse of CoOportunity Health (CoOportunity).

 

The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, created CoOportunity as a consumer operated and oriented plan, or co-op. Co-ops are non-profit health insurers intended to create competition in the health insurance marketplace. CoOportunity, based in Iowa, was approved as a co-op to sell health insurance in Iowa and Nebraska.

 

High enrollment numbers exceeded expectations in both states. This led to more claims, and, in a matter of months, the company had outgrown its resources. On December 16, 2014, President Obama’s administration refused CoOportunity’s request for additional loans, and a week later, an Iowa court determined that CoOportunity was in financially hazardous condition. On February 28, 2015, the company was liquidated.

 

This Obamacare failure has left many insured Nebraskans wondering what to do next. My administration is working with the Nebraska Department of Insurance (NDOI) to help CoOportunity policyholders decide what is best for their families and businesses. NDOI encourages those still covered by CoOportunity to obtain coverage with a new carrier during a Special Enrollment Period, which runs from March 1st through April 29th. Enrolling during this time is essential because CoOportunity policies will be cancelled before the next open enrollment period begins. NDOI reports that individual policies will be canceled 180 days after liquidation, and group policies canceled within 30-45 days after liquidation.

 

During the Special Enrollment Period, individuals insured by CoOportunity and any of their enrolled dependents may choose a different health plan offered by a different company. Doing so now may give those individuals more options for individual plans, since an insurer is not required to sell individual policies outside of a special enrollment period.

 

CoOportunity policyholders can follow the company’s regular process for claims while it is in liquidation. To avoid a gap in coverage, keep paying CoOportunity premiums until you have purchased a policy to replace CoOportunity.

 

Policyholders still covered by CoOportunity will no longer receive Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTC) or Cost Sharing Reductions (CSR) because these plans lose Qualified Health Plan status upon liquidation. That means that those who stay on this plan may be forced to pay hundreds of more dollars per month in policy fees and co-pays.

 

Today, I am joining the NDOI to encourage those affected by CoOportunity’s collapse to find new health insurance coverage. This is yet another unintended and unfortunate result of the Affordable Care Act, and my administration is committed to helping Nebraskans who have been negatively impacted by this issue.

 

Policyholders with individual plans who are in the Special Enrollment Period (beginning March 1st) should call 1-800-318-2596.

 

For policyholders with a small business plan through the SHOP exchange, call 1-800-706-7893.

 

Insurance agents and brokers can assist employers who are moving to a new plan.

 

Hearing from you is an important part of helping my administration assess your needs.  I look forward to input from people all across our state.  As always, you are welcome to contact my office at (402) 471-2244, or by email, at pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov.

 

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Governor Ricketts Comments on Marriage Ruling

March 3, 2015 Leave a comment


Governor Pete Ricketts commented on U.S. District Judge Joseph Bataillon’s decision to strike down Nebraska’s constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between one man and one woman.

“Today, a judge took steps to overturn a constitutional amendment approved by 70% of Nebraskans that defines marriage as between one man and one woman,” said Governor Pete Ricketts. “The definition of marriage is an issue for the people of Nebraska, and an activist judge should not substitute his personal political preferences for the will of the people. I will continue to work with Attorney General Doug Peterson to uphold Nebraska’s Constitution and the will of the people of our great state.”

 

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Governor Ricketts Announces National Search for Roads Director

February 20, 2015 Leave a comment


Today, Governor Pete Ricketts announced a national search for a permanent Director to lead the Nebraska Department of Roads. This announcement comes at the conclusion of three successful national searches for innovative and transformational leadership to lead the Departments of Corrections, Economic Development and Health and Human Services.

 

The search for a new Director of the Nebraska Department of Roads will follow a similar process to previous searches. With statewide financial support, the Greater Omaha Chamber Foundation has hired a search firm to conduct the search. Finalists identified by the firm will be forwarded to Governor Ricketts and his Chief of Staff, Matt Miltenberger, for interviews.

 

Ted Ford Webb of Ford Webb Associates, Inc. based in Concord, Massachusetts will assist with the search. Webb previously assisted with the successful searches that identified Scott Frakes to lead the Nebraska Department of Corrections and Courtney Phillips to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

 

“After successful national searches to lead key state agencies, it made sense to utilize a similar approach with the Department of Roads,” said Governor Pete Ricketts. “Building 21st-century infrastructure with fiscally-responsible funding mechanisms is critical for our state’s future. Forward-thinking leadership for the department can help accomplish these goals.”

 

Donors who contribute to the search process will be disclosed after the conclusion of the search.

 

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Governor Ricketts’ Presidents Day Statement

February 16, 2015 Leave a comment


“Today marks the 136th year Americans commemorate Presidents Day to honor the birthday of our first President, George Washington.  February is also the birth month of Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan.  Let us pause today to remember those who guided our country through times of triumph and adversity.  As members of our nation’s 37th state, Nebraskans can be proud of America’s heritage and leaders.”

 

Governor Pete Ricketts

Governor Pete Ricketts

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Expanding Education Opportunities

January 31, 2015 Leave a comment


By Governor Pete Ricketts

As I mentioned in last week’s column, I presented my budget recommendations and key initiatives about how we can Grow Nebraska in my first State of the State address to the Unicameral on January 22nd. This year, my priorities will focus on creating jobs, cutting taxes, easing regulatory burdens, and expanding educational opportunities. This column focuses on the second two priorities that I laid out in my remarks: easing regulatory burdens and expanding educational opportunities.

 

When we get a property tax bill we can see exactly how much we are paying. The cost of regulation, however, is hidden, but it is a job killer all the same. As governor, I will stand up to the overregulation forced on us by Washington, D.C.

 

Whether it is new health care mandates on employers, EPA overreach on carbon emissions and the Waters of the US Washington just does not get it.

 

Here in Nebraska, we want to set a good example. I will be asking all of my state agency directors to make it a priority to innovate ways to reduce regulatory burdens and bureaucratic delays. Proper regulation protects our health and safety. Overregulation delays progress and growth. We can do better and we will.

 

As we seek to create jobs, slow the growth of government, reduce taxes, and fight burdensome regulations, we must also continue to strengthen our education system. While balancing our budget, we must ensure we put a priority on proper school funding and improving educational outcomes.

 

In particular, I will focus on career and vocational training. There are great career opportunities all across the state. I visited Ash Grove Cement in Louisville and they were telling me if you get a 2-year electrician’s degree out of high school, you will start working for them at $22 or $23 per hour. Stay there a year and pass two tests and you will be making $28 an hour. That’s a 21-year-old making $56,000 a year plus full benefits and the start of a great career.

 

Every manufacturer I have talked to has said they can’t find enough skilled labor, and that is a barrier to expanding. To address this, I propose an investment in innovation.

 

My budget includes funding a pilot program with an investment of $250,000 each year to form a public-private partnership to create a career and vocational training program. Good-paying jobs in the skilled labor force, agriculture, and manufacturing are a great option for our young people.

 

As Nebraskans, we have a tradition of honoring the men and women who serve our country. My budget recommendation also includes an additional $120,000 per year for a total of more than $488,000 of tuition assistance for the patriots who serve in the Nebraska National Guard. We need to help them further their education as well.

 

As we work together, I want you to know about the culture we are fostering in my administration. Every day, I want my team to ask a couple of questions: How can I serve the people of Nebraska better today? What can we do to make Nebraska a place people want to be and grow our state?

 

If you have any questions of your own, you are welcome to contact my office at 402-471-2244 or pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov. Working together with your help and input, we can Grow Nebraska for the next generation.

Governor Pete Ricketts

Governor Pete Ricketts

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Governor Ricketts: We Can Grow Nebraska

January 21, 2015 Leave a comment


I am humbled and honored to serve you as the 40th Governor of the great State of Nebraska.

 

Now is a time of new beginning for our state. As I look into the future, I’m optimistic about the road that lies ahead. We have a great state, filled with tremendous opportunity.

 

Our rich history is deeply rooted in freedom, opportunity, liberty, and the hope for a better life for future generations.

 

Today, we continue to welcome those who value freedom and are in search of a better life. We welcome people from all over the world, who study at our great Universities or work at our businesses, farms and ranches. And as our forefathers did a century and a half ago, we honor the veterans–the men and women who sacrificed and served our country.

 

We have a beautiful state filled with tremendous opportunity from the Missouri River to the Sandhills to the Pine Ridge. The strength of our state lies in our people. Nebraskans are engaged in their communities, their schools, and their churches. And when we have problems, we find ways to work together despite our differences. Nebraska is what America is supposed to be.

 

The future of our state continues to depend on our ability to pull together, to solve problems, and to grow Nebraska. I am excited to work together in a spirit of collaboration to move our great state forward, and as we work together, you will have ideas on how to reach our goals. You may have other concerns you are hearing in your community. I promise I will listen closely and with an open mind.

 

Nebraskans want government to work. We hold our elected officials to high standards. I will work hard each and every day to meet those standards and safeguard the public’s trust. I urge Nebraskans everywhere to stay engaged: You are the second house. Hold us accountable for what we achieve and help us Grow Nebraska

 

In the words of Virginia Smith, the only woman to represent Nebraska in the U.S. House of Representatives, “There is no excellence without great labor.”

 

On behalf of my wife Susanne and our entire family, we look forward to working with you and hearing from you in the years to come.

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Governor Ricketts Calls on McPherson to Resign

January 16, 2015 Leave a comment


Governor Pete Ricketts called on State Board of Education Member Pat McPherson to resign from the State Board of Education following unacceptable comments that were contained in a post on his blog.

 

“While many Nebraskans disagree with our president on many issues, he is deserving of the same civility and respect we give one another. There is no room for bigotry. I am deeply disappointed and unequivocally condemn these comments,” said Ricketts.

 

“I respect the will of the people, but as additional information about the frequency of these bigoted comments on the blog has become available, it is clear that this controversy will hinder the State Board of Education from accomplishing its goals. Pat should tender his resignation and allow the Board to get back to work on its goal of improving achievement outcomes for all students.”

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