LANSING – The federal government has awarded Michigan a $30.7 million grant to help set up the health insurance exchange through a state-federal partnership.
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced the grant Thursday as part of $1.5 billion awarded to 11 states to assist with setting up the exchanges that are part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. House Republicans objected to the state setting up its own exchange, so Governor Rick Snyder instead is working on a state-federal partnership.
The grant is for the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to conduct more analysis on the impact of the exchange and the Affordable Care Act in Michigan, as well as to acquire contractual services to assist the state and the exchange with legal matters, technology planning, education and outreach, financing and policy issues, according to Health and Human Services.
Additionally, the grant will be used to support the Customer Assistance partnership program as part of the exchange and technology needs in setting up the exchange and coordinating it with the federal marketplace.
Chris Priest, the exchange project manager, said in a statement provided by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs that the Legislature will have to approve spending the funds for them to be used.
“This award will help the state in performing the two primary functions of a partnership exchange,” Priest said. “It will be used to certify qualified health plans sold on the exchange as well as assisting and educating consumers as they seek health coverage on the exchange. The award will also assist the state with the planning, design and establishment of technology-related interfaces and systems to ensure Michigan has the capacity to coordinate with the federal exchange.”
House Republican spokesperson Ari Adler said House officials just learned today of the grant and have not had much of a chance to discuss it with caucus. He said approval for this money would have a different dynamic than when the House objected to accepting a $9.8 million grant last year to set up a state-run exchange.
“We will be taking a look at it. We are in a situation where there will be a health exchange in Michigan,” he said. “We may have an easier time being able to accept this money because it is for a partnership. It would allow us, allow the governor to work with the federal government on establishing that exchange partnership.”
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