Calif. IT Startups Focus on Consumers Signing Up for ACA Coverage

The implementation of the Affordable Care Act has spurred California health information technology startups to develop websites and mobile applications to help consumers sign up for health coverage under the law, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

For example, San Francisco-based Stride Health has launched a website that allows consumers to view descriptions and prices for insurance policies and directly enroll in coverage.

StepOne Health, a Bay Area startup, also has capitalized on the health law by matching consumers who are eligible for benefits with entities that provide those services.

Meanwhile, the Chronicle reports that ACA implementation has encouraged some companies to upgrade other health care services, such as:

• Health records;
• Diagnostic tests;
• Digital prescribing; and
• Remote patient monitoring tools.

Judd Hollas, CEO of the crowdfunding site EquityNet, said the ACA has acted as a "centralized and large influence to push the industry toward these kinds of innovations."

Hollas added that the implementation of the law gave IT companies the confidence that their services will be marketable in future years (Lee, San Francisco Chronicle, 3/24).