HHS Seeks State Grant Applications for Development of Exchange HIT Systems - November 11, 2010

On Oct. 29, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it would begin accepting “Early Innovator” grant applications from states for the development of health information technology (HIT) infrastructure necessary for the operation of Health Insurance Exchanges. HHS will identify and award funding to as many as five states or state coalitions it believes can develop successful and cost-effective HIT models that can be duplicated in other states. Such HIT systems aim to help consumers more easily identify and enroll in Exchange plans, accelerate implementation of Exchanges, and increase quality, among other goals. Applications are due by 11:59 P.M. Dec. 22. Application details and forms are available online. Awards will be announced by Feb. 15, 2011.

Following the announcement of the Early Innovator program, HHS on Nov. 3 also issued guidance to all states to help them determine how to design, develop and implement HIT systems for Exchanges.