Monday, September 24, 2012

States React to Health Reform

Article:  Liking It or Not, States Prepare for Health Law by Abby Goodnough.  New York Times.  September 23, 2012.

Key Ideas:  States are required  to make a decision by November 16  to  either operate an insurance exchange required by President Obama's health care law or leave the creation of the exchange to the federal government.  These exchanges will provide online marketplaces for individuals and businesses to shop for private insurance which will be required.  The law requires that states have an exchange by January 2014.

Several states who have Republican governors who oppose the health care law are quietly making preparations to implement an exchange even as they hope that the law will be eliminated with the election of Mitt Romney.  13 states with Democratic or independent governors are committed to creating exchanges.   7 states (6 Republicans and 1 Democrat) have indicated that they will not create an exchange.  Nevada has already created an exchange.

There is expense involved in creating an exchange including web site, creating a call center, and outreach and information programs.  Conservative groups such as the Tea Party and Americans for Prosperity are engaged in efforts to block state administered exchanges.

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