The new Vermont healthcare 'Marketplace' website

by Jennifer Brandt Vermont Business Magazine The implementation of Vermonts new health care exchange computer system, run by the Department of Vermont Health Care Access or DVHA, is set to take place by January 1, of 2014, according to federal mandate. In anticipation, DVHA hopes to have the site up and running by October 1 of this year.
According to the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation survey, the federal government's new PPACA guidelines have expanded Medicaid coverage eligibility for most adults up to an income of 138 percent of the federal poverty level. Currently 69.7 percent of those 18-64 have private insurance coverage, and only 6.8 percent of Vermonters are un-insured, according to the latest data.
Lawmakers were given a demonstration of the prototype on January 22, and the agency hopes to have more demonstrations by the second week of March. The demonstrations will be done in conjunction with The Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce and the DVHA.
The new system, called Vermont Health Connect, has been described as resembling online travel sites such as Expedia or Travelocity. Sean Sheehan, Director of Education & Outreach at Vermont Health Connect, said, To be more accurate, it is more like Turbo Tax. He added, The analogy to travel sites was meant to connect with Vermonters who may be less familiar with more advanced web services.
Vermont signed a contract with the technology firm CGI that has implemented similar sites in other states such as Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Colorado. CGI, a Montreal based firm, will charge $36 million for the first two years, but would offer an additional two years, bringing the cost to $51 million.
Overall, the new website is meant to make it easier for all Vermonters to easily access information on healthcare options available in Vermont. Sheehan said the site would act as a one stop shop, for qualifying individuals interested in comparing various plans and enrollment that can be done via credit card.
Sheehan says the agency expects about two-thirds of the people using the new site will be fully comfortable with accessing the site and enrolling online. For the remaining third who remain uncomfortable or are unable to access a computer alternative, other options will be offered. Sheehan said that consumers would be able to use a call center where they can talk to someone who will be able to walk them through their options.
The state is also aiming to launch one-on-one outreach called The Navigator program. This program will be available at local social service centers or alternate sites, such as public libraries. The out-reach workers will be trained to help people who have a variety of needs, such as disabilities, or those in immigrant or refugee populations who may have a language barrier.
DVHA hopes to launch a major media campaign to get the word out before the site launches. When asked what outlets would be used, Sheehan said, A little bit of everything, online, TV, radio, community efforts, fairs, parades, conferences and even the back of grocery receipts. Vermonters can also expect to see a Vermont Health Connect presence on Facebook and Twitter.