States seeking to operate a State-based Exchange or electing to participate in a State Partnership Exchange must submit a complete Exchange Blueprint no later than 30 business days prior to the required Approval date of January 1 (November 16, 2012 for plan year 2014). A State may submit its Declaration Letter at any time prior to this deadline. If a State’s Declaration Letter is received more than 20 business days prior to the submission of its Blueprint, the State may request an Exchange Application consultation with CMS regarding preparation of its Application for Approval as a State-based.
