HHS issues final guidelines for health insurance exchange applications

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued final guidelines for states to develop health insurance exchanges created under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The guidelines establish a November 16, 2012 deadline for states to submit a declaration letter (stating whether the state will pursue a state-run exchange, a federal-run exchange, or a partnership exchange) as well as a complete exchange blueprint.  States that submit a declaration letter more than 20 days before the deadline may request a consultation with HHS to obtain additional guidance on their exchange application.

New to the final guidelines are procedures for states to transition from one exchange model to another in later years.  States wishing to alter their exchange model in 2015 would need to submit an exchange blueprint by Nov. 18, 2013; for 2016, applications would be due Nov. 18, 2014.