Contact: Seth Boffeli (DHS), 608-266-5862
Jim Guidry (OCI), 608-264-6239
MADISON – As part of its effort to develop a consumer driven, free market health care coverage purchasing exchange, the Office of Free Market Health Care today launched an online survey to gather input from various stakeholders impacted by the creation of an exchange. Specific parts of the survey are tailored to individuals, small employers, small employees, insurers, agents, brokers, and health care providers. The survey can be found online at http://www.freemarkethealthcare.wi.gov/section.asp?linkid=1702&locid=173.
“Wisconsin is a national leader in health care. We have nationally recognized hospitals, clinics, and health plans – all without government mandates,” said Health Services Secretary Dennis Smith. “If we are going to build an exchange, then we must go to the experts and tap into their wealth of experience. That is what we are doing with this survey.”
The Office of Free Market Health Care is tasked with conditionally developing a plan for the design and implementation of a Wisconsin Health Insurance Exchange that utilizes a free-market, consumer driven approach. In order to inform much of this design work, the state is seeking stakeholder input through an online survey.
“Wisconsin is unique compared to other states in that we have a strong competitive health insurance market that offers consumers countless plan options. This allows them to purchase coverage that meets their needs,” said Insurance Commissioner Ted Nickel. “A high priority for us in developing an exchange is ensuring that a vibrant competitive market exists both in and outside of the Exchange. Stakeholder input is vital to achieving this goal.”
Please visit http://www.freemarkethealthcare.wi.gov/section.asp?linkid=1702&locid=173 to complete the survey. The survey will be available until Friday, May 20, 2011.
