April Todd-Malmlov, Exchange Executive Director at the Minnesota Department of Commerce, discussed the state's efforts to develop a health insurance exchange. She outlined the challenges and goals of the exchange, emphasizing the need to simplify access, provide valuable information, and drive competition in the healthcare market. Todd-Malmlov highlighted the importance of consumer engagement and the role of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in creating a more competitive and valuable insurance marketplace. She also addressed the impact of the ACA on individual and small-group markets, noting that Minnesota's earlier health reforms will enhance the state's ability to build a better exchange than those developed by the federal government. The discussion covered topics such as streamlining access, developing new information sources, and the role of agents and brokers in the transition to the new system. Todd-Malmlov emphasized the urgency of the timeline and the importance of maintaining a state-based exchange to ensure Minnesota's unique approach to healthcare reform.April Todd-Malmlov, Exchange Executive Director at the Minnesota Department of Commerce, discussed the state's efforts to develop a health insurance exchange. She outlined the challenges and goals of the exchange, emphasizing the need to simplify access, provide valuable information, and drive competition in the healthcare market. Todd-Malmlov highlighted the importance of consumer engagement and the role of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in creating a more competitive and valuable insurance marketplace. She also addressed the impact of the ACA on individual and small-group markets, noting that Minnesota's earlier health reforms will enhance the state's ability to build a better exchange than those developed by the federal government. The discussion covered topics such as streamlining access, developing new information sources, and the role of agents and brokers in the transition to the new system. Todd-Malmlov emphasized the urgency of the timeline and the importance of maintaining a state-based exchange to ensure Minnesota's unique approach to healthcare reform.