Policy Speakout: Getting ready for the benefit exchange

Patty Fontneau is executive director of the Colorado Health Benefit Exchange. Scheduled to open for business in October 2013, the exchange will provide a new marketplace where Coloradans can shop for and buy health insurance based on quality and price.

There are no dull moments at the Colorado Health Benefit Exchange.

We have fewer than 18 months to establish a new web-based marketplace to serve hundreds of thousands of individuals and small employers in Colorado who are looking to purchase health insurance.

We have a mountain of tasks to complete — everything from finding office space to certifying health plans. We are focused on details big and small to establish the new web-based marketplace.

At the same time, we are reaching out to a wide range of stakeholders to join us as we build an exchange that will meet the unique needs of Colorado.

So what are some of our current priorities? Here are some of the major ones:

• We're choosing business partners to provide the customer service operations and technology platform that will serve as the anchor of the exchange when we open for business in late 2013. We released an expansive request for proposal (RFP) on Jan. 23. Proposals are due back to us Feb. 27, and we plan to finalize contracts in early May.

• We're tackling dozens of policy and operational questions that need to be answered during the next year. The list includes determining essential health benefits (the minimum set of health services and products that must be included in plans sold inside and outside the exchange); developing marketplaces that will bring value to both individuals and small employers; and completing the makeup of the navigator network (customer service representatives across the state who will meet with people face to face).

• We're growing the organization so that we have the capacity and expertise to make the important decisions necessary to establish the exchange. We are currently seeking to hire a health plan manager to serve as the liaison with insurers and be our point person for decisions related to health plans. We also expect to recruit staff within the next month to assist with project management, financial operations and technology implementation.

• We're intensifying public education and outreach initiatives. My staff and I regularly conduct presentations to a variety of organizations to build understanding of our work and how the exchange will benefit Coloradans. We focus on strengthening our partner network across the state so that we have a way to connect with the people and small business owners who need insurance or want to look at their options when the exchange opens.

I welcome your participation in our work. Check out our website, www.getcoveredco.org. There are many ways to get involved. I look forward to hearing from you.