First Draft Proposal to State Policy Leaders

For Discussion

December, 2001

Create a “Fast Track” for Cross-Agency Planning Between State Agencies and Localities

• Localities/regions meeting criteria for comprehensiveness of healthcare access planning projects receive special status that assures accelerated cross agency planning in support of the region’s efforts

• The state commits to criteria within which localities/regions may launch pilots that test new models for expanding healthcare access. These criteria include conditions under which public healthcare dollars may be used in new ways in conjunction with localities’ projects

Blend Medicaid, Basic Health and CHIP Funds with HIP’s Emerging “Expanded Choice” Plan for Extending Coverage to the Employed Uninsured and Pilot this Approach in Eastern Washington

• Expanded Choice Organization (ECO) acts as outreach enrollment entity which markets and blends new options for employers and employees who have not previously been participating in health care coverage, making these options seamless to clients

• ECO functions as “satellite” Basic Health and Healthy Options enrollment points, empowered to make eligibility determinations

·       BHP, Medicaid, and CHIP funds become blendable with employer and employee contributions in the most effective ways to expand healthcare coverage to the largest possible segment of the employed uninsured while still maintaining the integrity of the public programs.