W.Va. Insurance Marketplace to Have Only One Company

Only one company will participate in West Virginia's new individual health insurance marketplace.

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and Carelink/Coventry applied and were accepted to participate in the individual marketplace.

But Carelink/Coventry has withdrawn.

Highmark CEO William Winkenwerder says his company will participate and offer 11 different plans. Highmark also will offer four plans in the state's small business marketplace.

The health insurance marketplace is part of the Affordable Care Act. Enrollment begins Oct. 1. Coverage will begin Jan. 1, 2014.

West Virginians for Affordable Health Care executive director Perry Bryant says he hopes more companies over time will participate in the marketplace.