Idaho, which is working with the federal government to develop its health insurance exchange under the Affordable Care Act, has tapped Gallatin Public Affairs, Burson-Marsteller and GS Strategy Group to guide PR, research and outreach, following an RFP process.

The Gem State initially planned to run its own exchange but reached out for federal help last month as the Oct. 1 deadline for states approaches.

The Idaho Health Insurance Exchange issued a request for information in mid-May that preceded the RFP for outreach and education services.

The trio of firms will tackle an initial $200K contract through mid-August that includes outreach, deployment of a website, and media relations, among other tasks.

Gallatin PA leads the account. Boise partner Lyn Darrington was assistant VP of legislative and regulatory affairs for Regence BlueShield of Idaho and a health policy advisor to former Utah Gov. Michael Leavitt's health policy commission.

Jody Olson, who directed marketing and development for the Alberta Bair Theater in Billings, Mont., has been hired by the Idaho exchange as direct of communications and marketing.