We Choose Not to Play

The nations most prominent health insurance carrier decided to redshirt themselves during the 2014 Obamacare season in a few states and may do the same in 2015.

Which states?

Iowa and South Dakota are the two states where the ACA insurance marketplaces have struggled the most. In both states, just 11.1 percent of residents eligible for subsidized insurance signed up for it 

NPR

Stated another way, 89% of those eligible for a taxpayer subsidized plan just said no.

Why?

Before last year's enrollment, (Blue Cross) Wellmark had 87 percent of the individual market in Iowa and 73 percent of South Dakota's market.

Well there you go.

If you already have over three quarters of the market, why put yourself out to pick up a few crumbs.

But wait. Wasn't Obamacare supposed to INCREASE competition and bring more consumer choice?

Yeah, somehow Blue Wellmark didn't get the memo.