MNsure’s website contractors draw 11th-hour flak
By Jackie Crosby, Star Tribune (Minneapolis) | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
"Did we pick the wrong vendor?"
"You put in one fix, and it causes two others," she added. "At what point do we say, 'We can no longer try and fix this; we need to bring in someone else.'?"
With a Monday deadline looming for consumers to sign up for coverage, MNsure board Chairman
"How long do we give them?" Beutner said.
Four companies have played key roles in building the MNsure site, with the
Maximus is a
Maximus declined to comment for this story.
Under MNsure's hood, more than 40 software programs are running to keep data private, verify a person's identity and connect with the state's computerized system that enrolls citizens in publicly subsidized health plans, Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare.
"This was the most aggressive IT project I've seen in my 32 years," said
Inflexible deadline
Baden said it has been an unprecedented effort that involves coordination with multiple state agencies and highly technical issues that span network connections and security.
Original plans for the system became hobbled by delays at the federal level in handing down much-needed rules and an immovable
"We had nine months to bring this thing home," Baden said. "We had to pare down a number of functions ... and we were working 12-, 14-, 16-hour days."
The subcontractors have been responsible for building the portion of the website used by consumers, interacting with a federal hub to verify citizenship and eligibility for tax credits, collecting premiums and making sure insurance companies get paid.
Todd-Malmlov, who resigned Tuesday, said the state saved money because the same team of companies was also working on the
But
By all accounts, crushing deadlines and lack of direction from the
With all hands on deck to make sure that those who need coverage on
The state is setting up 200 workstations in less than 24 hours for additional help.
___
(c)2013 the Star Tribune (Minneapolis)
Visit the Star Tribune (Minneapolis) at www.startribune.com
Distributed by MCT Information Services
Wordcount: | 751 |
Real Housewives of Orange County Star Vicki Gunvalson Gets “Reel” With Fans, Sharing her Personal Home Movies via YesVideo
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News