HHS announces new assistance to states: More resources, transparency, and flexibility

Excerpt from U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: (click for entire article)

Today, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced more assistance to states as it implements three new provisions of the Affordable Care Act. Today’s announcement gives states help by:

• Providing a new round of Affordable Insurance Exchange Establishment Grants, totaling $229 million to 10 states, to help states build new health insurance marketplaces;
• Promoting transparency and meaningful public input into the Medicaid demonstration process, and streamlining the federal‐state consideration process as states test new models of care;
• Supporting innovation and implement the health care solutions that work best for them.

“We’re taking important actions that will give states more resources and more flexibility, and ensure transparency thanks to the Affordable Care Act,” said Secretary Sebelius. “All Americans will have access to quality, affordable health care once the Affordable Care Act is fully implemented, and today’s steps are important measures that ensure that States have the help they need to administer their Medicaid programs and oversee their insurance markets while assuring meaningful input for consumers and beneficiaries.”