2015 is off to a strong start. The second open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) concluded successfully, free from most of the technology glitches that plagued last year’s enrollment efforts. Since the passage of the ACA nearly five years ago, more than 16.4 million previously uninsured people have secured health coverage. However, much work still needs to be done. With the initial implementation behind us, it is now time to leverage the technology investments that have been made by extending these systems and processes to support enrollment in other health and social services programs.

At Social Interest Solutions (SIS), we continue our policy work with a major focus on advancing horizontal integration efforts. A recent report written in collaboration with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities examines the approaches states are taking to leverage their ACA implementation efforts to support a broader range of human services programs. SIS is also committed to bringing attention to issues and trends surrounding the ACA that have the potential to impact individuals and families. The newly launched ACA Spotlight series provides critical data on ACA-related topics in an infographic format. The first installment in the series analyzes the potential impact by state and county of the King v. Burwell Supreme Court case on family health insurance premium costs.

As we look ahead, we are inspired by the enormous contributions of former SIS board member Andy Hyman to the health reform movement.  Andy, who passed away in February, was a true champion for the poor and underserved, and SIS will strive to continue his fight for justice and equality.  We look forward to continuing our work to promote policies and leverage technology to improve access to health and social services for all who need them.

John Caterham  
President and CEO

SIS has launched the ACA Spotlight, a new infographic series highlighting effects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on individuals and families. The first Spotlight in the series focuses on the U.S. Supreme Court case of King vs. Burwell. It illustrates at the state and county levels the impact on families’ monthly costs if the Court eliminates premium tax credits in states participating in the Federally-facilitated Marketplace. The court is expected to issue its decision by the end of June.

States are taking a wide range of approaches in leveraging the ACA’s enhanced federal funding opportunities to facilitate eligibility and enrollment in a broad set of human services programs. A new paper from SIS and the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities highlights examples of how states are maximizing technology to support “horizontal integration” among health and human services programs, and examines common themes related to governance, business process re-engineering, cost allocation and performance improvement. Read more

The world lost a warrior for a healthier, more equitable America and SIS lost a board member, a colleague, and a friend when Andy Hyman died last month. Fellow SIS board member Melanie Nathanson described Andy as “a great man, who spent his career leading the charge to ensure that all American’s had affordable, quality health coverage.”Andy served on the SIS board of directors from June 2013 until his death in February 2015. Robert Phillips, SIS board chair, noted that “SIS was fortunate to have the benefit of his brilliance, passion and leadership during his tenure on our board.” Honoring Andy’s commitment to justice and equity, SIS board member Rima Cohen vowed that “his life’s work will inspire us to continue the fight.” SIS is grateful to have benefitted from the talent and work of this inspiring man, and we are proud to honor his legacy by striving to realize his extraordinary vision.

Andy Hyman / RWJF

Jordan Battani, SIS Director of Product and Customer Operations, was honored by the California State Legislature in February for her leadership on the City of Alameda Health Care District Board of Directors. Assemblymember Rob Bonta presented Jordan with a resolution highlighting her contributions to the significant expansion of access to health care in the City of Alameda and its surrounding communities. Among other accomplishments, Jordan led the District Board of Directors’ negotiation of the successful transfer of Alameda Hospital to the Alameda Health System (AHS). This agreement ensures the continued availability of emergency and inpatient services at Alameda Hospital, and adds critical additional capacity to the emerging AHS – a new safety net healthcare delivery network serving Alameda County. SIS joins the Legislature in honoring Jordan’s exemplary record of service and her outstanding civic achievements!

Social Interest Solutions (SIS) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to leveraging technology innovation to improve consumers’ access to public and private health and social services. As an active influencer and promoter of policy reform, SIS has successfully developed and deployed pioneering technology solutions that have positively impacted the quality of life for the nation’s underserved population.

In early 2003, Social Interest Solutions developed One-e-App, a Web-based system that streamlines the complicated eligibility and enrollment process by making it possible to transparently connect and share data across otherwise disparate federal and state health and social services systems and programs. Today One-e-App is deployed in Arizona, California, Florida, Indiana and Maryland and has served over 17 million individuals.

For more information on Social Interest Solutions, click here.