Bookmark & ShareFor Immediate Release: 01/27/2012
Contact: Doug Porter, Director, Health Care Authority, 360-725-1040; Richard Onizuka, HCA Assistant Director of Health Care Policy, 360-923-2820; Molly Voris, Health Benefit Exchange Project Director, 360-923-2740
OLYMPIA— The Health Care Authority has selected Deloitte Consulting LLP as the Apparently Successful Vendor to design, develop and implement the state's Health Benefit Exchange IT system to create a seamless and easy-to-use system.
The Authority now begins contract negotiations and hopes to begin project activities with the selected vendor in late February. The statewide Exchange is a significant initiative under the Affordable Care Act’s national health care reform. In 2014, it will be an on-line marketplace, making it easier for consumers to choose a commercial health plan that works best for them, and provide access to tax credits and public programs such as Medicaid to make those plans more affordable. Funded by a $23 million federal grant, the state Health Care Authority has taken initial responsibility for development of the Exchange. A nine-member governing board appointed by Governor Gregoire in December will assume governance of the program in March 2012
The board will oversee ongoing design and development activities, and eventually be responsible for operation of the Exchange. It will also provide input regarding any further legislation needed to move the project forward, and help shape the state’s request for additional federal funding available this year.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND BACKGROUND:
Jim Stevenson, HCA communications, jim.stevenson@hca.wa.gov, 360-725-1915
Sharon Michael, HCA communications, sharon.michael@hca.wa.gov
NR 012-004
