CT Issues RFP for SHOP

In December, HHS named Connecticut as one of six states approved to implement a state-based Health Insurance Exchange (HIX). The state previously received $116 million to design and build the Exchange. On December 17^th, the State of Connecticut issued “Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange RFP for the Small Business Health Options Program” or referred to as the SHOP Exchange to support Connecticut’s CT HIX.

The RFP seeks information from qualified vendors to assist with the design, development, and implementation of a SHOP Exchange solution. The SHOP Exchange is designed to help small employers access more affordable insurance and more health plan choices for their employees. The SHOP Exchange is to be operational by October 1, 2013 and provide coverage beginning January 1, 2014.

The Exchange is to develop information technology to:

• Engineer and build a flexible architecture for the Exchange and allow for national standards to provide security, privacy, interoperability, and information sharing
• Use Connecticut’s statewide technology architecture to streamline eligibility criteria and to ease future changes to rules
• Manage the exchange to allow for efficient and appropriate updates

 The ACA requires each SHOP Exchange to provide access to employers seeking support with consumer support programs, help with the application process, and assist with information on Qualified Health Plans. Once in operation, the SHOP Exchange will provide access to numerous choices in levels of coverage, plan designs, and costs.

The letter of intent was due December 21^st and the final proposal is due January 22, 2013 with the anticipated contract start date to be March, 1, 2013.

For more information, email Margo Lachowicz, Connecticut HIX Project Assistant at CTHIX.SHOPRFP@ct.gov.