How do they re-open plans that have already been cancelled? And how are state regulators going to sort this all out?

“Premiums have already been set for next year based on an assumption of when consumers will be transitioning to the new marketplace,” said Karen Ignagni, president of the insurance industry group America’s Health Insurance Plans.

“If now fewer younger and healthier people choose to purchase coverage in the exchange, premiums will increase and there will be fewer choices for consumers. Additional steps must be taken to stabilize the marketplace and mitigate the adverse impact on consumers,” Ignagni said.

Jim Donelon, president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and Louisiana Insurance Commissioner, also expressed skepticism.

“It is unclear how, as a practical matter, the changes proposed today by the president can be put into effect,” Donelon said through a spokesman.