An implementation plan and timeline are essential for meeting federal benchmarks, including the required January 2013 HHS Secretary assessment of state progress. A plan and timeline also are helpful tools for informing and engaging key state stakeholders.

*Milestone details:

*Full name: Develop an implementation plan and timeline for building an Exchange that will be operational on or before January 1, 2014.

*Relevance to the ACA:

The ACA gives the Secretary of HHS the authority to assess states progress toward establishing an Exchange and to establish and operate an Exchange in a state, if necessary. Sections relevant to developing an implementation plan and timeline include:

§1321 - Requires the Secretary of HHS to set federal standards for Exchanges. Gives the Secretary the authority to establish an Exchange in a state if by January 1, 2013 the state has not taken the actions necessary to operate an Exchange by January 1, 2014.