Building an Information Technology Foundation for Health Reform: A look at Recent Guidance and Funding Opportunities

The major coverage provisions in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) go into effect in January 2014 with an expansion of Medicaid eligibility to nearly all individuals under 138% of poverty and new subsidies for individuals with incomes between 138% and 400% of poverty to purchase coverage in newly established Health Insurance Exchanges. The ACA envisions a streamlined and simplified application process with seamless transitions between coverage in the Exchange and Medicaid. Using a web portal, consumers will be able to submit one application for coverage, whether they qualify for coverage in the Exchange or in Medicaid.

This brief examines new funding opportunities available under the health reform law to help states design and implement the information technology infrastructure necessary to streamline and simplify the application process so that there are seamless transitions between coverage in Medicaid and in the new Health Insurance Exchanges.

Brief (.pdf)