VT posts amendment to QHP RFP - Q&A for Dental

Vermont has posted the questions and answers in regard to Dental for the Qualified Health Plans (QHP) Request for Proposals (RFP).   See:  http://www.vermontbusinessregistry.com/BidPreview.aspx?BidID=9464 for further information.

Have a safe and merry holiday season and new year!

Vermont releases IE RFP Addendum

Good evening and Happy Holidays.   

The State of Vermont and the Agency of Human Services released the Integrated Eligibility (IE) RFP Addendum.  The addendum is located at:  http://bgs.vermont.gov/purchasing/bids/AhsIntegratedEligibility.

* Template revisions are identified
* IE ACCESS Decomposition Scope Statement (v1.0) is added
* Health Services Enterprise Architecture (v6.9) is added
* Addendum #5 is added
* Schedule is:

Vermont releases Radiology Benefit Management RFP

Happy Holidays!!!

The Department of Vermont Health Access is seeking to establish service agreements with one (or more) companies that can provide Radiology benefit management. As part of 2011 Act 156 (SFY'11), the legislature allowed the Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) to institute a prior authorization (PA) process for high-tech imaging, including scans such as: computed tomography (CT), computed tomographic angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), positron emission tomography (PET), and positron emission tomography-computed. A high-tech imaging prior authorization program was implemented on September 1, 2010 and to date all service performance indicators are positive. The Department of Vermont Health Access is now accepting proposals of Vendors who can provide to the State full radiology benefit management services for the entire Medicaid Fee-for-Service (FFS) population in Vermont, including:

• Management of all prior authorization requests submitted by VT-Medicaid providers on behalf of 

   VT-Medicaid clients including determining medical necessity and quality through application of

   developed, proprietary evidence-based clinical guidelines

• Receipt and use of data files from HP Enterprise (HP), the Medicaid fiscal agent/claims 

   processing agent, for prior authorization processing

• Transmission of prior authorization data files to HP for uploading to the MMIS

• Performance reporting

• Adherence to HIPAA Privacy and Security Regulations and law

• Acceptance testing

The RFP posting can be located here: http://www.vermontbusinessregistry.com/BidPreview.aspx?BidID=9559

Schedule of Events:

RFP Posted	December 21, 2012
Bidder’s Questions Due	January 7, 2013
Dept. Response to Questions	January 11, 2013
Intent to Bid	January 14, 2013
Proposal Due/Closing Date	January 28, 2013
Bid Opening	January 28, 2013
Selection Notification	March 1, 2013
Commencement of Contract	April 1, 2013

All communications concerning this Request for Proposal (RFP) are to be addressed in writing to the attention of:

Meaghan Kelley      Email: meaghan.kelley@state.vt.us  Phone: 802-871-3302

State of Vermont enters contract for HBE work

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Department of Vermont Health Access
December 14, 2012
Contact: Lindsey Tucker
Contact Phone Number: 802-871-3097
Contact E-mail Address: Lindsey.Tucker@state.vt.us
State Continues to Move Forward to Develop the Health Benefit Exchange Technology. Hires Veteran IT Provider CGI.
WILLISTON – Today, the state of Vermont took another step forward as they signed a contract to ensure that Vermont Health Connect, the state’s health benefit exchange, will open enrollment in October 2013. Global IT provider CGI will build the technology infrastructure for Vermont Health Connect, the marketplace for individuals, families, and small businesses to compare and purchase qualified private health insurance plans, determine eligibility for and enroll in public health insurance plans, and access federal tax credits.
Over the next year, CGI will work with the state of Vermont to leverage and build on technology products and structures the state already has in place. In partnership with the state, CGI will deliver a consumer-friendly, customized exchange that guides Vermonters through the process of finding health coverage. The Vermont Health Connect technology infrastructure will seamlessly complement the state’s premium billing process and the Customer Support Center, which Vermonters can call for help related to finding healthcare plans.
Robin Lunge, the Director of Health Care Reform, said, “Currently, CGI is working to build the federal exchange as well as the exchanges in Hawaii, Colorado, and Massachusetts. Our partnership with CGI will ensure that we are learning from other state’s experiences. Basically, we will not be recreating the wheel. Instead, we will take advantage of existing resources to reduce costs and reuse them in a way that works for our state.”
CGI is well positioned to work with Vermont to develop Vermont Health Connect through an approach that both aligns with federally mandated timelines and serves Vermonters well. CGI has been serving the health industry for over 20 years and their expertise spans the public and private sector healthcare spectrum by delivering solutions to federal, state and local agencies, more than 1,000 health facilities (including 250+ hospitals and departments of health) and 25 health insurance carriers.
“I’m pleased that this is yet another indication that we’re on track to offer Vermonters health coverage—whether public or private—in an accessible, straightforward way. Vermont Health Connect will provide Vermonters with the unique opportunity to make apples-to-apples comparisons of their health coverage options. We’re working to change the insurance market for the better and I’m confident in our ability to succeed,” said Mark Larson, Commissioner of the Department of Vermont Health Access.

Further Clarification on IE RFP Schedule

The IE RFP procurement schedule has been modified to:

• add RSVP for Vendor Conference,  and add
• two days to Proposal Due Date due to Holiday. 

The revised schedule is as follows:

Amendment Issued	12/24/2012
RSVP for Vendor Conference Due	1/4/2013
2nd Round Questions Due	1/4/2013
Vendor Conference (IN PERSON)	1/8/2013
Posted Answers	1/10/2013
Proposals Due	1/23/2013
Orals week of	2/11/2013
Contract Negotiations /BAFO - week of	2/25/2013
Contract award	3/11/2013

IE RFP Update!!

Posted earlier today at http://bgs.vermont.gov/purchasing/bids/AhsIntegratedEligibility:

IE RFP Bidders' Conference Attendee List
IE RFP Round 1 questions and answers
IE RFP Bidders' Conference questions
IE RFP updated timeline (posted on 12/7 as addendum #3) and listed below

IE RFP Bidders Conference Follow-up

Thank you to all the attendees of the Vermont Integrated Eligibility (IE) RFP Bidders' Conference call.  Your participation is an indication of the great work that is going on in VT and we are excited for the future possibilities.  The dynamic business and IT health care environment challenges us every day to be nimble and we appreciate your time and understanding.   

The IE RFP Schedule, Bidders Conf Attendee List, and Q&A to be posted soon - if not by end of the day today then by Monday.

Have a great weekend.

Be Part of Reform! TODAY!

Exciting news and updates will be discussed today on the IE RFP Bidders Conf call!! 

Dial-in w/ family & friends at 1:00pm -

866-579-8110  pass 679877

Be part of the transformative work being done in VT to address health reform! 

Bidder's Conference for IE RFP update

Greetings everyone.

VT IE RFP: Bidder's conference is a telephone conference ONLY.

Tuesday, Dec 04, at 1:00 pm EST. Call in number: 866-579-8110 PIN: 679877

If you do plan on calling in, please fill out the RSVP Sheet below and email it to john.mcintyre@state.vt.us no later than 3:00 PM ET 03 December 2012.

Name	Proposed Role in Project	Email	Phone	Company

Addendum to Vermont's IE RFP

VT announces an addendum to its IE RFP: See  http://www.bgs.state.vt.us/pca/bids/bids.php or http://bgs.vermont.gov/purchasing/bids/AhsIntegratedEligibility. 

Hope the Thanksgiving Holiday was enjoyable!

AHS / DVHA Announces Posting of Integrated Eligibility (IE) RFP !!!

The Vermont Agency of Human Services (AHS) is excited to announce the posting of the Integrated Eligibility (IE) Request for Proposals (RFP).  This is a very significant part of the building of Vermont's Health Services Enterprise.

The RFP is can be reached by clicking on either of the following links:

·          Posted Purchasing Bid Opportunities

                OR

·         AHS Integrated Eligibility Solution Request for Proposal

AHS / DVHA Release of another RFP - QHPs

The Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) is seeking to establish agreements with health insurance issuers (“Issuer”) to offer certified qualified health plans and stand-alone dental plans for sale through the Vermont Health Benefit Exchange, Vermont Health Connect. This Request for Proposals is open to all health insurance organizations licensed in Vermont interested in providing coverage for health services to individuals and small businesses through Vermont Health Connect.

See further information at:  http://www.vermontbusinessregistry.com/BidPreview.aspx?BidID=9464

VT recall of RFP for Web Application User Experience (UX) and Visual Design

Due to recent events, the State of Vermont is reviewing the scope of its Health Services Enterprise procurement strategy and therefore has chosen to retract the Web Application User Experience (UX) and Visual Design Request for Proposal. 

Please stay tuned for updates on this effort.  

AHS / DVHA Release of RFP! - Premium Processing

The Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA), on behalf of the State of Vermont (hereinafter called the “State”), has released an RFP for "Premium Billing".  The State is seeking to establish service agreements with one vendor that can provide premium processing, including invoicing, collection, remittance and reconciliation capabilities, for Vermont’s federally mandated Health Benefits Exchange (the “Exchange”) and State of Vermont public health programs including, but are not limited to, Medicaid, VPharm and Dr. Dynasaur.

See this link for further information:  http://www.vermontbusinessregistry.com/BidPreview.aspx?BidID=9462

Thank  you.

AHS/DVHA release of RFI

** NOTE:   Due date for responses has changed from 11/16 to 11/20.   ***

The Vermont Agency of Human Services (AHS) and the Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) are excited to announce the release of a request for information (RFI) for MEDICAID MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM (MMIS) PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGEMENT (PBM).  

You can find the RFI posted at:  http://www.vermontbusinessregistry.com/BidPreview.aspx?BidID=9453.

Be sure to share the news!   We look forward to the responses.

DVHA release of HIX related RFP

10/19/2012

The Department of Vermont Health Access Health Benefit Exchange, (herinafter called DVHA) is seeking to establish service agreements with one (or more) companies that can provide assistance in defining the strategic direction for the Exchange web application, designing the application, and ensuring coordination with the Exchange’s technical assistance vendor for the implementation of the application.

For further information please go to:  http://www.vermontbusinessregistry.com/BidPreview.aspx?BidID=9444

Thank you. 

DVHA did it again....just posted another RFP!!!

DVHA is excited to announce the posting of another RFP....come join the fun with us! 

http://www.vermontbusinessregistry.com/BidPreview.aspx?BidID=9333

Department of VT Health Access (DVHA) - Request for Information (RFI)

The Vermont Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange) – established within the Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) pursuant to Act 48 in 2011 – is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to qualified vendors capable of supporting the information technology and business processes related to the Premium Billing component of the Exchange. This RFI seeks information from vendors with solutions that will facilitate the creation and processing of monthly premium bills to individuals and small employers, aggregate and remit premiums to insurers, and perform the requisite reconciliation and reporting of premiums pursuant to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and subsequent state and federal regulations, guidance and bulletins.  The RFI is also located online at: http://dvha.vermont.gov/administration  or http://www.vermontbusinessregistry.com/BidPreview.aspx?BidID=9305 .

Responses to this RFI are non-binding and are for informational purposes only.  We may invite select vendors to participate in web-based demonstrations or in-person reviews to better understand the proposed solution, the organization, and the relevant experience of select respondents.  This RFI does not commit the Exchange to any purchases, nor does it in any way bind the responder with regard to any cost estimates included in the response. 

Vendor responses can be sent to me at the address below.   The responses should not exceed thirty (30) pages and are due no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Friday, September 14, 2012.

Thank you,

Joe

Joseph J. Liscinsky
Health Reform Enterprise Director II

Division of Health Reform (DHR)
State of Vermont – Dept. of VT Health Access (DVHA)
289 Hurricane Lane, Williston, VT 05495

Office     (802) 879-5994
Mobile    (802) 233-6212http://dvha.vermont.gov

Vermont AHS-DVHA Health Enterprise Projects' Update - Volume XVII

August, 2012 – Volume XVII

Be sure to follow us on twitter and/or be sure to check our blog for any future updates  AHS-DVHA blog (http://vermont-ahs-dvha.blogspot.com/) and twitter (@DVHAVermont).

The following efforts are underway within the Agency of Human Services (AHS) with significant management by the Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) and in particular, the Division of Health Reform (DHR):

·         Vermont will be re-releasing the RFP for Eligibility and Enrollment Rules Writing assistance during the latter half of August.

·         Vermont is currently evaluating the bids received for the RFP for analysis regarding Disassembling Health Care from ACCESS* 

·         Vermont continues to work on the design and build out of its Infrastructure along with planning on additional Scopes of Work (SOW) and RFPs to address the needs of our Health Services Enterprise supporting HIX, E&E, and MMIS components and functionality.  Future RFPs will be released throughout calendar quarters 3 and 4, 2012. Some of these RFPs may include (or could be combined): 

o    Eligibility and Enrollment System (E&E) components

o    Medicaid Enterprise Solution (MES) components

o    Provider Management services that includes building of a Provider Directory

o    Program Integrity needs (Data Warehouse and DSS Services)

Vermont staff will be attending the Medicaid Enterprise Systems (MES) Conference in Boston, MA (Aug. 19-23).  Please engage and discuss opening your creative visions and new ideas as we continue the build out of our Health Services Enterprise.  We are looking for partners that are innovators and visionaries and who have a desire to “roll up the sleeves” and work together on the abundance of great changes going on with Health Reform in VT.   

●     

●     The Division of Health Reform (DHR) is the unit within the Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) that is responsible for coordination and management of Health Reform activities. Members of this unit are now all located in the ground floor of DVHA offices at 289 Hurricane Lane, Williston, VT

●     

        Vermont continues to work closely with CMS and other States on a variety of issues and levels.  As identified in CMS’ Seven Standards and Conditions, we need services and processes that are flexible, scalable and can be leveraged/shared across boundaries.    These services and processes can be integrated in a variety of ways to address the needs of the systems we currently refer to as “MMIS, VIEWS and HIX” but in the future are all part of our Health Enterprise Network.  It is essential that we engage contractors who understand the enormous undertaking ahead of us and who grasp the interdependencies and intricacies of how we must proceed to be successful.

●     

        RFPs related to DHR work can be viewed at:

○    http://dvha.vermont.gov/administration/2012-requests-for-proposals

○    http://www.vermontbidsystem.com/;

○    http://www.labor.vermont.gov/

○    http://www.bgs.state.vt.us/pca/bids/bids.php;

○    http://bgs.vermont.gov/purchasing/bids

Thank you.

*Glossary:

MES                Medicaid Enterprise Solution

Replacement of Vermont’s Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS)

VIEWS            Vermont’s Integrated Eligibility Workflow System (VIEWS)

Replacement of Vt’s ACCESS system – AHS’ legacy eligibility and enrollment system

HIX                  Health Insurance Exchange

                        Implementation of Vt’s Insurance Exchange as part of Affordable Care Act (ACA)

HIE                  Heath Information Exchange

                        Further expansion and build out of Vermont’s health information exchange

ACCESS         Department for Children and Families’ eligibility and enrollment legacy system

AHS - DVHA release of two RFPs

Good afternoon all.

DVHA has just released the following two RFPs:

·         Health Care Rules Writing - http://www.vermontbusinessregistry.com/BidPreview.aspx?BidID=9144

·         Disassemble Health Care From Access Analysis - http://www.vermontbusinessregistry.com/BidPreview.aspx?BidID=9143

Vermont AHS-DVHA Health Enterprise Projects' Update - Volume XVI

May, 2012 – Volume XVI

Be sure to follow us on twitter and/or be sure to check our blog for any future updates  AHS-DVHA blog (http://vermont-ahs-dvha.blogspot.com/) and twitter (@DVHAVermont). 

[NOTE:  additional links were listed below]

Thank you for your continued interest in Vermont and we appreciate your understanding that in lieu of meetings, the State has been making use of these updates.  You may share this information and links with any business partners that you wish. 

The following efforts are underway within the Agency of Human Services (AHS) with significant management by the Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) and in particular, the Divsion of Health Reform (DHR):

●      Vermont will be releasing in the next week, two RFPs:

○    Disassembling Health Care from ACCESS* analysis

○    Eligibility and Enrollment Rules Writing assistance

●      Additional RFPs in the Health Enterprise series to support HIX, E&E, and MMIS components will be released in rapid order throughout calendar quarters 2 and 3, 2012. Some of these RFPs may include (or could be combined): 

●      Eligibilty and Enrollment System components including Rules Engine Services

●      Medicaid Enterprise Solution (MES) components

●      Provider Management services that includes building of a Provider Directory and

perhaps address Program Integrity needs

●      Data Warehouse and DSS Services

●      DVHA has created a Health Enterprise diagram to be used as a framework for discussion purposes and not as an actual architectural diagram depicting various systems and data stores for the Vermont Health Enterprise Network (see last page)

●      The Division of Health Reform (DHR) is the unit within the Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) that is responsible for coordination and management of Health Reform activities.

○    Members of this unit are now all located in the ground floor of DVHA offices at 289 Hurricane Lane, Williston, VT

●      Vermont continues to work closely with CMS and other States on a variety of issues and levels.  As identified in CMS’ Seven Standards and Conditions, we need services and processes that are flexible, scalable and can be leveraged/shared across boundaries.    These services and processes can be integrated in a variety of ways to address the needs of the systems we currently refer to as “MES, VIEWS and HIX” but in the future are all part of our Health Enterprise Network.  It is essential that we engage contractors who understand the enormous undertaking ahead of us and who grasp the interdependencies and intricacies of how we must proceed to be successful.

●      RFPs related to DHR work can be viewed at:

○    http://www.vermontbidsystem.com/;

○    http://www.labor.vermont.gov/

○    http://dvha.vermont.gov/administration/2012-requests-for-proposals

○    http://www.bgs.state.vt.us/pca/bids/bids.php;

○    http://bgs.vermont.gov/purchasing/bids

As of this time, DVHA is not engaging in any vendor demonstrations.  This is due to the amount of work currently underway and the number of engagements that would occur should the State proceed in this manner.  Should Vendors have information (such as a ‘white paper’, product information, etc.) you can submit that to Joe Liscinsky at joseph.liscinsky@state.vt.us.

Thank you.

*Glossary:

MES                 Medicaid Enterprise Solution

Replacement of Vermont’s Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS)

VIEWS                        Vermont’s Integrated Eligibility Workflow System (VIEWS)

Replacement of Vermont’s ACCESS system – AHS’ legacy eligibility and enrollment system

HIX                 Health Insurance Exchange

                        Implementation of Vermont’s Insurance Exchange as part of Affordable Care Act (ACA)

HIE                  Heath Information Exchange

                        Further expansion and build out of Vermont’s health information exchange

ACCESS          Department for Children and Families’ eligibility and enrollment legacy system