A new website was for the Colorado Health Benefit Exchange (COHBE), the state health insurance marketplace for Colorado, was launched last month. The website contains information and resources for consumers and small businesses, as well as updates on the development of the state health insurance marketplace and COHBE board activities. Click here to read more.

Last month officials from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services came to Denver to listen to local stakeholder groups discuss their views about the types of medical care that should be covered by qualified health plans sold on new state and federal health insurance exchanges. The first proposed rules are expected to be released for public comment in the spring.

Also in November, the Board elected Gretchen Hammer to serve as the Chair of the Board. Previously, she had been serving in that position in an interim capacity. Richard Betts of Telluride was elected Vice-Chair, and Arnold Salazar of Alamosa was elected Secretary.

Patty Fontneau started her position as the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the COHBE this week. Fontneau will lead the development and implementation of the state health insurance marketplace. The press release can be viewed here.

The Implementation Review Committee is scheduled to meet today to discuss and take action on the Board’s application for a Federal Planning and Establishment grant due December 30th. The Review Committee declined to approve an earlier version of the grant due September 30th.

The Colorado Rural Health Center will continue to monitor the development of the Exchange and provide input as it relates to rural needs. For more information, contact Alicia Haywood at ah@coruralhealth.org or by calling 720-248-2748.