AARP Eye Center
On March 8, AARP New Hampshire and New Hampshire Voices for Health held a public hearing so interested stakeholders and the public could address policymakers and others involved in the planning and implementation of New Hampshire’s health benefit Marketplace (also known as the Exchange). The Marketplace, a component of the Affordable Care Act, will be open for enrollment on October 1 with coverage available as of January 1.
The purpose of this public hearing –the Marketplace stakeholder input process – was to give suggestions and comments to Marketplace decision-makers on decisions they are making now and will consider over the long term. Participants included
US Department of Health and Human Services
Governor Maggie Hassan’s Office
New Hampshire Department of Insurance Commissioner
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner
Legislative Joint Health Reform Oversight Committee
Health Exchange Advisory Board
A summary report on input from the various stakeholders is now complete and summarizes themes shared regarding design and implementation of New Hampshire’s health benefit marketplace. The report was completed by independent consultant Betsy Black and includes appendices of all written testimony received. Also available is a recording of all input, including an audio recording of the March 8 hearing.
Some interesting points from the on-line survey include:
- Ninety-four percent of respondents believe the Marketplace or exchange would benefit from ongoing input from the people that are using it.
- Sixty percent of respondents believe the state should have a role in helping to design and operate aspects of the Marketplace (Exchange).
- Eighty-five percent of respondents believe it should be a high priority for the Marketplace to be consumer friendly and easy to use.
Further testimony at the public hearing also showed people want the development and implementation of the Marketplace to be transparent and think existing resources should be used to educate and enroll consumers, including community-based partners.
Input was given via response to an electronic survey open January 28 through March 11, 2013, verbal testimony at the hearing at the NH Legislative Office Building on March 8, and written testimony submitted through March 11.
Resources:
Health Benefits Marketplace (Exchange) Stakeholder Input Process Official Documents
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