Ready or not, here they come – maybe.
The Government Accountability Office has released two lengthy reports (and handy one-page summaries) on preparedness of both the individual and SHOP, or small business, exchanges.
In both cases the assessment was mixed – much has been done, but there’s still a big hill to climb between now and Oct. 1, when enrollment begins. The GAO had more concern about the preparedness of the small business exchanges. As we’ve noted before, one key feature has already been postponed a year, the ability of small business employees to choose their own plan, rather than have their employer choose it.
The reports are a good guide to where things stand – and can help you assess progress in your states:
- Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: Status of CMS Efforts to Establish Federally Facilitated Health Insurance Exchanges, GAO-13-601, June 19
- Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: Status of Federal and State Efforts to Establish Health Insurance Exchanges for Small Businesses, GAO-13-614, June 19
