Author: Tom Entrikin | Posted: 29. September 2011 10:33

The Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (CCIIO) announced on September 19 that it is seeking public comments on three federal/state partnership options related to the implementation of health insurance exchanges under Title I of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).   A federal/state partnership is an alternative to a health exchange controlled entirely by either the State or the federal government.  The first partnership option gives States the lead role in health plan management activities such as collection and analysis of data on qualified health plans (QHPs), QHP monitoring and oversight, and other data collection and data analysis responsibilities.   The second option gives States the lead role in consumer assistance activities such as overseeing in-person consumer assistance, managing the Navigator program (under which direct assistance is provided to help consumers sign up for health coverage), and other public outreach and education activities.  The third option combines the first two.   PCG participated in key discussions among state exchange grantees and CCIIO on these and other issues on September 19 and 20.   CCIIO announced on September 27 that it is extending its deadline for public comments on its proposed rules governing exchanges to October 31.