Implementation of the health insurance marketplaces has been an ongoing challenge across the country in the initial months of open enrollment. While state marketplaces are still evolving, and some are experiencing their own implementation challenges, they are largely working. “Report from the States: Early Observations about Five State Marketplaces,” prepared by Manatt Health Solutions with support from the State Health Reform Assistance Network (State Network), explores the early implementation experience in Kynect (Kentucky), New York State of Health (New York), MNsure (Minnesota), HealthSource RI (Rhode Island), and the Washington Healthplanfinder (Washington State).
Based on interviews with state leadership and review of publicly available documents in these states, the report identifies five themes that might help to explain early enrollment trends: integrated eligibility and enrollment systems; nimbleness; prioritizing critical functionality; cohesive teams with clear lines of authority; and connections to stakeholders on the ground. The report concludes with a discussion of the areas that emerged as challenges or future priorities for these states.
