Technology major IBM (News - Alert) is supporting the design and development of a statewide health insurance exchange in Minnesota.

IBM Cúram, part of IBM’s Smarter Cities portfolio, will serve as the platform for the health insurance exchange. The platform helps the State improve statewide health insurance options and enable citizens to determine eligibility for expanded Medicaid coverage and tax credits for various insurance plans.

In addition, IBM Cúram streamlines the eligibility and verification process for citizens. The solution incorporates new income standards and manages the capture and storage of IRS income data.

“This contract is a significant milestone in the design and development of a Minnesota health insurance exchange,” said Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman. “We can now move forward on developing the technology backbone of the exchange, a user friendly tool that will help more than 1.2 million Minnesotans choose the quality coverage they need at a price they can afford.”

IBM acquired Cúram Software in December 2011 to serve public service and government agencies in a better way.

Cúram Software has been deployed in more than 80 government agency projects around the world in health and human services, workforce services and social security organizations. The organization is capable of supporting any or all of the state’s health and human services programs in the future, the company said. 

“Improving social services takes cooperation and a commitment to an open exchange of ideas and information,” said John Hearne, general manager, Cúram Solutions, IBM. “IBM’s proven, interactive approach to delivering access to social programs will make it easier for Minnesota to deliver services to citizens and engage them in their own health decision making.”

IBM Cúram acted as the subcontractor to MAXIMUS for the design and development of the health insurance exchange. Connecture will support the enrollment and health insurance sales function and EngagePoint will deliver financial management capabilities.

To find out more about IBM visit the company at ITEXPO West 2012. To be held Oct. 2-5 at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX, ITEXPO (News - Alert) is the world’s premier IP communications event. Visit IBM in booth # 1324. For more information on ITEXPO West 2012, click here.