Due to new federal requirements under the Affordable Care Act about 9,450 of the 27,000 customers enrolled in the individual market through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas will not have their plans renewed in 2014.

Customers that received a plan through the individual market with Blue Cross after President Barrack Obama signed the ACA on March 23, 2010, will not be grandfathered in and must choose a new plan.

Mary Beth Chambers, Manager of Corporate Communications with Blue Cross, explained that plans created after the law was signed must meet new requirements for 2014. “As of January 1st all new plans sold on the individual market must have the essential health benefits that have been outlined by the affordable care act, as well as, they must provide preventative services with no cost sharing for the insured.”

Those with plans that are not being renewed have until March 31st, 2014, to choose a new plan or otherwise face a possible fine of $95. Blue Cross and Blue Shield did send out letters to customers who are affected outlining the change and their options.