Health Insurance Exchange Update: Thursday, September 20th

As we are well into September, some states are still scrambling to create a new blue print for their health insurance exchange, while others are already planning for the future. Today we look at New York, Nebraska, and Vermont.

As we approach October 1st, NYS officials are just weeks away from finalizing a proposal that balances both affordability and essential benefits. NYS is still undecided in regards to the merging of markets, role of insurance brokers, essential benefits, and if they should offer a Basic Health Plan. The state must come to a decisions soon, especially because they must finalize their blue print by November 16th.

The state of Nebraska is looking for a qualified contractorto build and operate its health insurance exchange to be administered by the Nebraska Department of Insurance (NDI) The contractor will design, develop and implement an exchange that combines the individual exchange and the Small Business Health Options Program exchange into one interface. According to the RFP, the state has completed an initial design, but essentially, the hired contractor will be the one to create and execute the new plan.

Vermont has set a time line to properly implement their Vermont Health Benefit Exchange for the future. The state is also choosing to follow the individual over the employer. According to the Vermont Department of Vermont Health Access website, Vermont is on the path to accomplishing what no other state in the nation has even attempted: to create a system in which health care is treated as a right and not a privilege, costs are contained by finding efficiencies in the system and spending money more wisely, and health coverage follows the individual and isn’t tied to employment. Their infrastructure's guidelines extend all the way to the year 2017. 

Want to learn more about the health insurance exchange? This November, the Health Insurance Exchange Congress will be held November 13-14, 2012 in Chicago, IL.  Here, state officials and health plans with the only opportunity to come together to discuss PPACA and strategize on how to make this a successful opportunity for all.  For more information on this year's agenda, download the program here.  As a reader of this blog, when you register to join us and mention code XP1710BLOG, you'll receive 15% off the standard rate!