Exchange Grants Awarded
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $220 million in exchange planning grants to 13 states. Rhode Island is the first state to receive a Level Two grant. Below are the state recipients (not all applications are publicly available at this time).
Deadline for Exchange Grants Extended
In an effort to accommodate state legislative sessions, HHS announced that the application period for states seeking a Level One grant has been extended until June 29, 2012. The original deadline was Dec. 30, 2011.
New FAQ on Exchange Implementation Released by HHS
HHS just released a new guidance related to exchange implementation. Of note, the document provides clarification on the costs to states, the partnership model, use of the Data Services Hub, eligibility under a federally-facilitated exchange or a state-based exchange, IRS information that states can access, risk-adjustment data collection, and quality certification requirements.
Executive Director Selected for Colorado Health Benefit Exchange
The board of the Colorado Health Benefit Exchange recently announced the selection of Patty Fontneau as the executive director. She is a former chief operating officer of Holme Roberts & Owen LLP, an international law firm, and was responsible for the overall business management of the firm including marketing, technology, recruiting, and strategic planning. Ms. Fontneau previously served as chief administrative officer for the IMA Financial Group in Denver and vice president/general manager for TIAA-CREF, which manages teachers’ pension funds. She will have to be confirmed by the Legislative Health Benefit Exchange Implementation Review Committee.
