A week after seeing the first of the final exchange rules from the Obama administration, we turn our attention back to the states. Though legislation isn't really moving, we see further evidence of states — particularly Nebraska — moving toward setting up an exchange.
NEBRASKA — A new request for proposals is the latest indication that the state is readying an exchange, even as it resists legislation before a Supreme Court decision on health reform. The RFP is for a vendor that can oversee a number of exchange planning functions — just not IT stuff. The insurance department is looking for a vendor that can do project management, administrative functions, develop grants, monitor information from the feds and coordinate with stakeholders and other state departments.
MAINE — The Legislature late last week killed off any chance of passing exchange legislation this year, despite earlier recommendations from an advisory committee set up by Gov. Paul LePage. The Legislature's insurance committee had been considering a Democratic proposal and a Republican one for the past several months, but the Democrats' proposal was voted down Thursday. Meanwhile, the committee approved a bill that would require people to have a broker enroll them in a state exchange — if there is one.
CONNECTICUT — The exchange board is preparing for the IT build, recently putting out a request for information from vendors who can handle business processes for the exchange. The RFI outlines all the major tasks, including eligibility determinations, management of health plans, calculating premium tax credits and enrollment. The deadline for responses is March 30.
OREGON — Here's a tough job: decide what kind of benefits will be available in your state's exchange. So Gov. John Kitzhaber is calling on people to nominate themselves to join a workgroup to figure out which EHB benchmark is right for the Oregon exchange. The deadline to apply is Thursday
CALIFORNIA — The exchange board meets this Thursday to focus on communications, outreach and enrollment efforts. The board recently tapped Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide to handle those efforts through at least October 2013, when exchange enrollment starts.
RHODE ISLAND — It's been about two months into the legislative session so far without any hint of exchange legislation. Gov. Lincoln Chafee established an exchange through executive order in September, but lawmakers at the time expressed interest in shoring up exchange authority through legislation. For now, they seem content to let the exchange run through the governor's office.
MINNESOTA — Republican lawmakers are pushing forward with two bills to fight Democrats' exchange planning efforts. One bill would place specific restrictions on exchange planning. The second, seen as a GOP alternative to a health exchange, would encourage health savings accounts.
Source: Politico
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