Managing State-Level ACA Implementation Through Interagency Collaboration
Shelly Ten Napel, MSW, MPP, Kyla Hoskins, MPH, Enrique MartinezVidal, MPP and Heather Howard, J.D
“Managing State-Level ACA Implementation Through Interagency Collaboration” was developed by Shelly Ten Napel and the State Network team to describe the early lessons learned from state officials and technical experts related to the leadership and coordination strategies needed to successfully implement the Affordable Care Act (ACA) at the state level. The brief:
– Discusses the value of leadership and a clear vision;
– Outlines specific interagency collaboration strategies being used by states, from low-tech solutions, such as regular meetings and clear delineation of roles and responsibilities, to higher-tech tools including document-sharing and project management software;
– Provides concrete examples of work plans and formal memorandums of understanding (MOUs); and
– Explores issues raised by:
– the need to procure and develop new information technology (IT) systems;
– the imperative to consult with various stakeholders; and,
– the unique challenges related to Health Benefit Exchanges (Exchanges), which may or may not be a formal part of state government.
The brief is designed to provide practical insights and tools for states. For states in which planning is already well underway, it provides suggestions on ways to get beyond existing challenges and barriers. It can be used to check current task lists to ensure that all important topics are being contemplated. For states in which planning is just getting started, it can serve as a comprehensive primer. You will find the following tools:
– Model high-level Exchange timeline
– Milestones for ACA implementation
– Exchange work plan template
– Division of Insurance work plan template
– Division of Insurance self-audit timeline
– Medicaid work plan template
– Checklist of areas where Exchanges will need MOUs with Medicaid programs and Divisions of Insurance
This year has presented many unique and unexpected challenges, but as open enrollment approaches states are making concerted efforts to connect residents with public and private health coverage options and are anticipating more churn between programs than ever before amid the COVID-19 public health crisis. Millions have filed for unemployment since the pandemic began, many losing their employer-sponsored health coverage or experiencing income loss in the process. As consumers navigate ongoing changes in their income or health coverage, it is more important than ever to clearly communicate with consumers what health coverage options are available for the remainder of 2020 and heading into 2021. This expert perspective lays out key takeaways on messaging to consumers to enroll in coverage this OEP and highlights examples from two states.
This expert perspective provides a roadmap for states to assess their vaccine coverage policies in Medicaid and, if necessary, to close any coverage gaps that might otherwise inhibit vaccine uptake during a crucial period of mass immunization. The concluding section discusses the possibility of congressional action that may alter the federal landscape for Medicaid vaccine coverage.
