On May 16th, HHS Secretary Sebelius made several announcements that will enable states to establish their own Affordable Insurance Exchanges, the state-based marketplaces that will allow individuals and small businesses to pool their purchasing power and expand their benefit choices. First, HHS is releasing the Exchange Blueprint that states may use to demonstrate how their Affordable Insurance Exchange will work to offer a wide range of competitively priced private health insurance options. The Blueprint also sets forth the application process for states seeking to enter into a Partnership Exchange. The Secretary also announced the award of six more Exchange Establishment Grants, bringing the total awardees to 34 states plus the District of Columbia. These grants assist states in developing strategies, systems, and human resources to implement Exchanges that fit the unique needs of each state. If a state decides not to operate an Exchange for its residents, HHS will operate a Federally-facilitated Exchange (FFE). The Secretary announced guidance describing how HHS will consult with a variety of stakeholders to implement an FFE, where necessary, how states can partner with HHS to implement selected functions in an FFE, and key policies organized by Exchange function
The press release, with links to related information, may be found at: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2012pres/05/20120516a.html
Information on upcoming implementation forums may be found at: http://cciio.cms.gov/resources/factsheets/affordable_insurance_exchanges.html
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