Minn. exchange will add $3.16 million for repairs; Cover Oregon's problems lead to political casualties

News outlets report on developments regarding state online insurance marketplaces.

Pioneer Press:  MNsure To Pay Deloitte $3M More For Health Exchange Repairs
MNsure plans to spend another $3.16 million for help from a New York-based consultant with fixes to its troubled information technology system. The state's health insurance exchange agreed this spring to spend $4.95 million for assistance from Deloitte in assessing problems with the MNsure system plus help managing the project. Now, with the additional funds, Deloitte would help implement a plan to improve the MNsure website and related systems before most consumers start using it again on Nov. 15. The MNsure board voted Wednesday to authorize negotiations on the expanded contract, but Republicans criticized the decision because information on the proposed amendment wasn't made public prior to the board's meeting in St. Paul (Snowbeck, 7/30).

The Oregonian: As Feds Probe Cover Oregon, State Has Approved Criminal Defense Costs For Five Former Employees
Five former state officials have taken steps toward hiring criminal defense lawyers at state expense as federal investigators probe the Cover Oregon health insurance exchange fiasco. Triz delaRosa, Bruce Goldberg, Aaron Karjala, Rocky King and Carolyn Lawson have applied for legal coverage under a new state policy adopted as a result of the ongoing FBI investigation, according to documents obtained by The Oregonian. The policy pays up to $35,000 for the legal defense of a current or former state employee accused of a crime (Budnick, 7/30).

The Oregonian: Among Political Casualties Of Cover Oregon Health Exchange Fiasco, Some Fared Better Than Others
Six state officials involved with the failed Cover Oregon health insurance exchange have resigned since December. But over the last seven months it's become clear that some of the departed employees received a softer landing than others (Budnick, 7/30).