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.