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Tennessee is one of seven states (Idaho, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Kentucky, and Delaware are the others) that have not passed enabling legislation. Our state has obtained some federal funding to begin the planning of an exchange. Governors of South Carolina, Florida, Louisiana, and New Mexico have vetoed legislation that would permit the establishment of exchanges in their states.
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Through the experiences of patients, I have seen health insurance plans in the past that bordered on fraud. Through convoluted language these plans set lifetime limits on coverage. Minor health issues in childhood could be resurrected to block payments for adult illnesses. Coverage for cancers and other catastrophic illnesses could be canceled in midtreatment. These practices are banned by the ACA and the exchanges established under the legislation.
Most states are well along in preparing for exchanges. Those states that are not assume either that the Supreme Court will rule the ACA unconstitutional or that a new Congress will repeal it. I think this plays roulette with the health of citizens of those states, including Tennessee.
Competition in health care succeeds when consumers are given readily understandable facts that allow them to make informed choices. A state-based exchange is the eminently sensible way to achieve this goal.
http://timesfreepress.com/news/2012/mar/08/insurance-exchanges-explained/
Hat Tip: Chattanooga Times Free Press
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