Inaction over the establishment of the Health Insurance Exchange has incited a unified push from many advocacy groups, urging the Senate to stop delaying the bill and bring it to the floor.
Health Care for All New York, a coalition of more than 130 organizations fighting for affordable health care for all New Yorkers, held a conference outside the Senate lobby last Wednesday.
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Some Republican lawmakers argue that a health exchange, which would require certain conditions of the participating insurance providers, is a step toward nationalized health care and oppose it on principle.
The push for legislative action comes after a bill (S.6699) was issued to further study the need for a New York health exchange. Sens. James Seward, R-Milford, and Kemp Hannon R-Nassau, chairs of the Senate Insurance and Health committees, respectively, put forward the bill March 11 with the intent to further study costs associated with the establishment of an exchange and search for potential alternatives, such as a regional exchange.
Some see the Republican bill as a stall tactic.
According to Health Care for All New York, this bill "indicates a significant retreat by the Senate from the Exchange establishment legislation." The coalition says urgent action is necessary.
http://www.legislativegazette.com/Articles-Top-Stories-c-2012-03-19-81445.113122-Republicans-want-further-study-on-a-health-exchange-Special-interest-groups-say-GOP-senators-are-stalling.html
Hat Tip: Legislative Gazette
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