government
Health insurance exchange systems will get boost
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Nov. 8, 2010
New competitive funding opportunities are available for states to design and implement the information technology infrastructure needed to operate health insurance exchanges.
Starting in 2014, individuals and small businesses will be able to buy insurance directly from an exchange, which has been described by the Dept. of Health and Human Services as a competitive insurance marketplace that will offer qualified health benefit plans. By providing a place for one-stop shopping, exchanges will make purchasing health insurance easier and more understandable, officials said.
The new competitive "early innovators" grants announced Oct. 29 by HHS are designed to help states prepare for the exchanges by developing the proper eligibility and enrollment systems. Two-year grants will be awarded by Feb. 15, 2011, to up to five states or coalitions of states that have "ambitious yet achievable proposals that can yield IT models and best practices that will benefit all states," HHS said.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/11/08/gvbf1108.htm.












