HHS Grants $1.5 Billion to Fund State-Based Marketplaces
- By BSTQ Staff
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has approved $1.5 billion in new Exchange Establishment Grants (EEG) to ensure states have the required resources to build marketplaces that meet the needs of residents. Currently, level one EEG one-year awards have been given to Delaware, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina and Vermont. And level two grants, which are multi-year awards, have been given to California, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York and Oregon.
Through the Affordable Care Act, consumers and small businesses will have access to health insurance marketplaces beginning in 2014. The marketplaces are expected to be a single location where plan buyers can find quality, affordable private health insurance options from qualified health plans. Consumers who purchase health insurance through the exchanges also may be eligible for tax credits to help pay for their health coverage.
States can apply for grants from now until the end of 2014 and may use funds through their start-up year.
