Wisconsin is seeking a contractor to develop a health insurance exchange as part of a broader procurement for the state's health and human services eligibility determination system.
The state's Department of Health Service issued a request for proposals May 13 calling on bidders to provide "maintenance, operation, modification and enhancement" services to support Wisconsin's Client Assistance for Re-employment & Economic Support (CARES) system.
The eligibility determination system covers a number of health and social services programs, including Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
In addition to the CARES-related work, the RFP seeks an "automated system that would support the American Health Benefit Exchange ... in Wisconsin."
Recently enacted healthcare reform legislation requires states to develop health insurance exchanges, which will help individuals and employers to comparison shop for private health plans. The exchanges and associated Web portals will also play a role in eligibility determination.
The exchange will have close ties to the CARES eligibility system. The RFP states that bidders must "build upon the existing CARES System architecture or a direct, viable, and sustainable interface with that architecture."
Bidders will not include a cost proposal for the exchange work. The RFP said the state will negotiate a fixed priced for the exchange development, once federal requirements for the exchange become finalized.
A vendor conference is slated for June 2 and proposals are due July 16.
