On July, 9, 2012, Governor Cuomo submitted a “declaration letter” to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) confirming New York’s intent to create a state-based exchange, consistent with the Affordable Care Act.
This letter is the first step required of states that want to gain approval from CMS to operate a state-based health benefits exchange. The federal government will establish a federally-operated exchange in states that do not seek to establish one themselves.
The Governor’s letter specifies that New York is working to create a web-based eligibility and enrollment system, and that it intends to perform Advanced Premium Tax Credit and Cost-Sharing Reduction eligibility determinations as part of that system. These credits and reductions will lower the cost of coverage and care for eligible individuals.
Governor Cuomo has named Ms. Donna Frescatore to serve as the Executive Director of the New York Health Benefit Exchange. She will be the primary point of contact for the State’s “Exchange Blueprint” or application for federal approval of its Exchange. The rest of the application is due November, 16, 2012.
You can read the letter here.