Health Insurance Exchange Update: Wednesday, October 24

The debates are over, the elections are just weeks away, and while many states are putting the final touches on their health insurance exchange program, some  are requesting even more resources.

This week in Missouri, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City is partnering with Benefitfocus to set up a private insurance exchange for the health insurer’s large-group clients starting early next year. The exchange will be both informative and time efficient. It will allow employees to see which plans they're eligible for as well as how much money they will be spending out of pocket. Benefitfocus CEO Shawn Jenkins said in a release,“Benefitfocus has developed game-changing technology for carriers to support defined contribution as it quickly becomes the preferred funding method for benefits by employers.” The plan will serve around one million residents in Kansas City.

In Minnesota, the Dayton administration will seek between $60 million and $80 million more in federal grants to fund a cornerstone of the federal health care overhaul — a state insurance exchange.Some officials are stating that the administration made their decisions too quickly, resulting in excessive funds. All major decisions have been postponed until the next legislative session.

This Friday, Kevin Galvin, president of the Small Business For A Healthy Connecticut, is organizing a free talk about the Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange. Both small business owners and health care advocates are encouraged to attend. “It’s an opportunity for health care advocates and small businesses owners to have a one-on-one conversation with Kevin Counihan about what to expect from the Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange,” Galvin said.  

Want to learn more about the health insurance exchange? 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!