In trying to reach as many District residents as it can, the Mayor’s Health Reform Implementation Committee (HRIC) has decided to extend its online survey seeking public input on planning for a Health Insurance Exchange (HIX) for District residents. The HIX, which is similar to a virtual marketplace, is required by the federal health care reform law, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and will serve a critical function in helping District residents secure more options for health care coverage with vastly improved consumer protections in place.

The Health Insurance Exchange survey will continue to be available on the HRIC website at www.healthreform.dc.gov until Sept. 16, 2011. Residents may request a paper copy by contacting Health Policy Analyst Brendan Rose at [email protected] or at (202) 442-7811.

The HRIC member agencies—the District departments of Health Care Finance; Insurance, Securities and Banking; and Health—have been hosting several public meetings to garner public input in the planning process. However, since many people find it difficult to attend public meetings, the HRIC has developed a survey to offer another avenue for sharing thoughts and suggestions. This is the first of several surveys that will be conducted during the planning phase for the HIX.

The next One City Insured Meeting will be this Wednesday, Aug. 31, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm in Ward 8 at the Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter High School at 2427 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., SE. It will be cohosted by Ward 8 Councilmember Marion Barry.

All are invited to find out when the next One City Insured Meeting will be in your ward on the HRIC website at www.healthreform.dc.gov.

The HRIC anticipates having a report to give to the mayor by early fall.