The State Network is releasing “Managing State-Level ACA Implementation through Interagency Collaboration,” which outlines the early lessons learned from state officials and technical experts related to the leadership and coordination strategies needed to successfully implement the Affordable Care Act (ACA) at the state level. Designed to provide practical insights and tools for states, the brief:
- Discusses the value of leadership and a clear vision;
- Outlines specific interagency collaboration strategies being used by states, from low-tech solutions, such as regular meetings and clear delineation of roles and responsibilities, to higher-tech tools including document-sharing and project management software;
- Gives concrete examples of work plans and formal memorandums of understanding (MOUs); and
- Explores issues raised by:
1. The need to procure and develop new information technology (IT) systems;
2. The imperative to consult with various stakeholders; and,
3. The unique challenges related Health Benefit Exchanges (Exchanges), which may or may not be a formal part of state government.
For states in which planning is already well underway, it provides suggestions on ways to get beyond existing challenges and barriers. It will help ensure that important tasks don’t fall through the cracks. For states in which planning is just getting started, it can serve as a comprehensive primer. It contains the following tools:
- Model high-level Exchange timeline;
- Milestones for ACA implementation;
- Exchange work plan template;
- Division of Insurance work plan template;
- Division of Insurance self-audit timeline;
- Medicaid work plan template; and
- Checklist of areas where Exchanges will need MOUs with Medicaid programs and Divisions of Insurance.
