Health insurance exchanges in eight states will feature streamlined processes thanks to innovative uses of technology, providing models for exchanges across the country, according to a report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Since 2009, Alabama, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin have been participating in RWJF's Maximizing Enrollment program, implementing technology to accommodate the wave of 2014 health insurance enrollees with limited resources.
Examples of technology solutions being implemented include:
- Verifications of online submissions in order to reduce rates of incomplete applications.
- Automatic data population into the eligibility system to reduce data-entry time for eligibility workers and reduce errors that could lead to administrative denials or delays for the state.
- Barcoding application materials to more easily match documents to the electronic case record.
- Applications that allow translation and toggling from English to foreign language versions of online applications.
- Horizontal integration with human services programs through online applications that allow beneficiaries to apply for multiple health and human service programs.
- Automated voice response systems that allow families to renew by phone, helping to save time and money and improve access to renewals.
- Online accounts to foster two-way communication between the Medicaid or CHIP agency and the beneficiary.
- Self-service kiosks to expand access to and provide assistance with the online application, particularly in rural areas where in-person assistance is unavailable or Internet connectivity is unreliable.
- Online chat between applicants and eligibility staff through instant messages while completing an online application.
The report suggests other states take note of the progress made by the Maximizing Enrollment states: "As states continue with their work, they should continue to invest in and reap the rewards from peer state learning and look for new opportunities to learn and grow as they forge a new vision for the future of eligibility and enrollment systems."
More Articles on Health Insurance Exchanges:
CMS Seeks Hospitals to Train Insurance Application Counselors
GOP Rep Seeks to Delay PPACA Insurance Data Hub
PPACA "Foot Soldiers" Train to Aid in Individual Insurance Enrollment