The House of Representatives met the desires of House Speaker William O’Brien, R-Mont Vernon and Republican leaders to defy requirements of states under the federal health care law.
...
By a party-line vote, the House endorsed an amendment O’Brien authored, HB 1297, to not only refuse to create a state exchange, but also to prevent Insurance Commissioner Roger Sevigny from cooperating with the Obama administration to set up a federal one.
The final vote was 219-94.
Rep. Donna Schlachman, Exeter-D had argued that states need to do planning now.
“This legislation is about wishful thinking and political posturing; it is not about being prepared,” Schlachman said.
During his state of the state speech, Lynch forcefully called upon the state to pass a bill creating a health care exchange.
...
Schlachman said the bill was counterproductive because the national law mandates that the federal government is to move in and set up exchanges in states that lack their own.
“Rather than make decisions for our state, House Republicans are passing the buck on to the federal government and failing to meet their responsibilities,” Schlachman said. “Businesses and families can’t just assume something is going to happen – they need to be prepared for contingencies.”
A large coalition of business groups are supporting state health exchanges including the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce, Business & Industry Association, auto dealers, ski resort owners along with the major insurance companies in the state.
The state Senate has already failed once to support state health exchanges.
http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/newsstatenewengland/952891-227/house-republicans-reject-required-health-care-exchange.html
Hat Tip: Nashua Telegraph
Showing posts with label New Hampshire. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Hampshire. Show all posts
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
New Hampshire- House Readies Vote on Health Exchange
A bill prohibiting state officials from planning for a state health exchange is one of the major measures affecting business that is due to come before the House this week.
The bill is expected to be voted on either Wednesday or Thursday, as the House moves toward its deadline for bills that don't go to a second committee.
...
They're also concerned that a federal exchange would shut out the local insurance industry and even regional health insurers.
Those supporting House Bill 1297 (which was approved by a 10-6 majority of the House Commerce Committee) maintain that a state exchange still has to follow federal rules so it makes no difference, and if enough states don't cooperate, then ACA will end up failing.
http://www.nhbr.com/businessnewsstatenews/952556-257/house-readies-vote-on-health-exchange.html
Hat Tip: New Hampshire Business Review
The bill is expected to be voted on either Wednesday or Thursday, as the House moves toward its deadline for bills that don't go to a second committee.
...
They're also concerned that a federal exchange would shut out the local insurance industry and even regional health insurers.
Those supporting House Bill 1297 (which was approved by a 10-6 majority of the House Commerce Committee) maintain that a state exchange still has to follow federal rules so it makes no difference, and if enough states don't cooperate, then ACA will end up failing.
http://www.nhbr.com/businessnewsstatenews/952556-257/house-readies-vote-on-health-exchange.html
Hat Tip: New Hampshire Business Review
Monday, February 27, 2012
New Hampshire- NH Should Create its Own Exchanges
An exchange focuses competition on price. And the exchanges are intended to bring sunlight and transparence to the world of health insurance.
Exchanges will be designed as a place where individuals, small employers and eventually larger employers can shop and compare health insurance options.
The law requires that all states have an exchange in place by 2014. States can create their own or choose to let the federal government set the design.
Our New Hampshire Legislature and Executive Council have been stalwart in putting obstacles to a state-designed and implemented exchange.
This year, the Legislature has chosen to table a Senate bill that would set a process for a New Hampshire-designed exchange and made a committee recommendation to pass a leadership-sponsored bill (HB 1297) that New Hampshire “shall not plan, create, participate in or enable a state exchange for health insurance.”
Insurers, providers and small businesses support the concept that New Hampshire design an exchange that is unique to us, one best for New Hampshire. So why isn’t it happening?
Although Republicans can take credit for initiating the idea of an exchange – the conservative Heritage Foundation first touted the idea – many Republicans, and most certainly those extreme members of the Legislature, find all things “Obamacare “objectionable, apparently whether good policy or not.
Let’s look for the silver lining. If our Legislature persists on its current path, the federal government will design an exchange for us. Perhaps given the lack of leadership in our Legislature, that might turn out to be a good thing.
http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/opinionperspectives/951510-263/nh-should-create-its-own-exchanges.html
Hat Tip: Nashua Telegraph
Exchanges will be designed as a place where individuals, small employers and eventually larger employers can shop and compare health insurance options.
The law requires that all states have an exchange in place by 2014. States can create their own or choose to let the federal government set the design.
Our New Hampshire Legislature and Executive Council have been stalwart in putting obstacles to a state-designed and implemented exchange.
This year, the Legislature has chosen to table a Senate bill that would set a process for a New Hampshire-designed exchange and made a committee recommendation to pass a leadership-sponsored bill (HB 1297) that New Hampshire “shall not plan, create, participate in or enable a state exchange for health insurance.”
Insurers, providers and small businesses support the concept that New Hampshire design an exchange that is unique to us, one best for New Hampshire. So why isn’t it happening?
Although Republicans can take credit for initiating the idea of an exchange – the conservative Heritage Foundation first touted the idea – many Republicans, and most certainly those extreme members of the Legislature, find all things “Obamacare “objectionable, apparently whether good policy or not.
Let’s look for the silver lining. If our Legislature persists on its current path, the federal government will design an exchange for us. Perhaps given the lack of leadership in our Legislature, that might turn out to be a good thing.
http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/opinionperspectives/951510-263/nh-should-create-its-own-exchanges.html
Hat Tip: Nashua Telegraph
National- Many States Take a Wait-and-See Approach on New Insurance Exchanges
States are lagging in the creation of health insurance exchanges, the supermarkets where millions of consumers are supposed to buy subsidized private coverage under President Obama’s health care overhaul.
Many states are waiting for a Supreme Court decision or even the November election results, to see whether central elements of the new law might be overturned or repealed. But that will be too late to start work. By Jan. 1, 2013, the Obama administration will decide whether each state is ready to run its own exchange or whether the federal government should do the job instead.
Republican governors and state legislators across the country are split. Some want to set up rudimentary exchanges with limited features — as a defensive tactical maneuver — rather than cede control to Washington. More-conservative Republicans do not want to do anything at all.
After a great deal of bickering and bargaining, the insurance exchanges emerged as a centerpiece of the 2010 health care law, crucial to achieving Mr. Obama’s promise of affordable coverage for all Americans.
The issue was a major topic of discussion over the weekend at the winter meeting of the National Governors Association here, and it is expected to come up Monday when governors meet with Mr. Obama at the White House.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/27/health/policy/a-wait-and-see-approach-for-states-on-insurance-exchanges.html?_r=1
Hat tip: The New York Times
Many states are waiting for a Supreme Court decision or even the November election results, to see whether central elements of the new law might be overturned or repealed. But that will be too late to start work. By Jan. 1, 2013, the Obama administration will decide whether each state is ready to run its own exchange or whether the federal government should do the job instead.
Republican governors and state legislators across the country are split. Some want to set up rudimentary exchanges with limited features — as a defensive tactical maneuver — rather than cede control to Washington. More-conservative Republicans do not want to do anything at all.
After a great deal of bickering and bargaining, the insurance exchanges emerged as a centerpiece of the 2010 health care law, crucial to achieving Mr. Obama’s promise of affordable coverage for all Americans.
The issue was a major topic of discussion over the weekend at the winter meeting of the National Governors Association here, and it is expected to come up Monday when governors meet with Mr. Obama at the White House.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/27/health/policy/a-wait-and-see-approach-for-states-on-insurance-exchanges.html?_r=1
Hat tip: The New York Times
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
New Hampshire- A Federal vs State Health Insurance Exchange-Does It Matter?
New Hampshire lawmakers, gave back the $ 1 million in planning grants to the federal government in order to establish a state based exchange. Legislation that would have set up a state based exchange has stalled. Beth Roberts, Vice President of Regional Markets at Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare, is disappointed.
"Why not control our own destiny?" she says. "What we need in New Hampshire is different than what another state in the nation needs. By defaulting to a federal exchange we are allowing the federal government to come in define what New Hampshire needs for us rather than building an exchange at the state level allowing us to define that ."
But opponents of a state based exchange say whether or not the state controls the process--ultimately the federal government will have the final say.
"Whether we have a federally implemented exchange or a state implemented exchange the federal government writes all the rules," says Charlie Arlinghaus who runs the Josiah Bartlett Center. "We're essentially just a puppet government."
Republican Rep. Andrew Manuse of Derry has sponsored legislation that would prevent New Hampshire from creating its own health insurance exchange.
"By not establishing a state exchange were saying to the federal government, you passed this mess of a law now you have to figure out how to make it work. Don't rely on the states to fix this law," says Manuse.
http://www.nhpr.org/post/federal-vs-state-health-insurance-exchange-does-it-matter
Hat tip: New Hampshire Public Radio with audio link
"Why not control our own destiny?" she says. "What we need in New Hampshire is different than what another state in the nation needs. By defaulting to a federal exchange we are allowing the federal government to come in define what New Hampshire needs for us rather than building an exchange at the state level allowing us to define that ."
But opponents of a state based exchange say whether or not the state controls the process--ultimately the federal government will have the final say.
"Whether we have a federally implemented exchange or a state implemented exchange the federal government writes all the rules," says Charlie Arlinghaus who runs the Josiah Bartlett Center. "We're essentially just a puppet government."
Republican Rep. Andrew Manuse of Derry has sponsored legislation that would prevent New Hampshire from creating its own health insurance exchange.
"By not establishing a state exchange were saying to the federal government, you passed this mess of a law now you have to figure out how to make it work. Don't rely on the states to fix this law," says Manuse.
http://www.nhpr.org/post/federal-vs-state-health-insurance-exchange-does-it-matter
Hat tip: New Hampshire Public Radio with audio link
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
New Hampshire- Battle Over Affordable Care Act Headed For a Showdown in Legislature
The ideological battle over the merits and future of the 2010 Affordable Care Act is headed for a showdown in the New Hampshire Legislature.
A Republican-sponsored bill that would prohibit the state from setting up an Affordable Insurance Exchange could head for a vote in the House by month's end. A proposed Senate bill that would set up such an exchange, which is considered a key to the health care reform law, has been tabled and may not be resurrected before the end of the legislative session this spring.
http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20120208-NEWS-202080366
Hat tip: Seacoast Online
A Republican-sponsored bill that would prohibit the state from setting up an Affordable Insurance Exchange could head for a vote in the House by month's end. A proposed Senate bill that would set up such an exchange, which is considered a key to the health care reform law, has been tabled and may not be resurrected before the end of the legislative session this spring.
http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20120208-NEWS-202080366
Hat tip: Seacoast Online
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Opinion- Pieces From Around the U.S.
Iowa- "Let the Feds Create Iowa's Health Exchange"
The health reform law relies on “exchanges” in each state to connect Americans with insurance. Starting in 2014, people will be able to shop in these marketplaces to buy insurance coverage. Many will get help from the government to pay for it.
States are supposed to build their exchanges or the federal government will do it for them.
...
It was a reminder that special interests will work hard to benefit themselves, and they are circling again this year.
Granted, the federal government is vulnerable to the same types of influences. Yet executive branch officials are comparatively less likely to be swayed by special interests. They don’t receive campaign contributions. They don’t have to pander to voters.
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20120202/OPINION03/302020041/1094/SPORTS0206/?odyssey=nav%7Chead
Hat tip: Des Moines Register
New Hampshire- "We Must Reject Health Exchange"
The New Hampshire House will take up legislation soon that would prohibit a state health insurance exchange and force Washington to repeal, replace or amend Obamacare.A health insurance exchange is a bureaucratic set of state-regulated and standardized health care plans in the United States, from which individuals may purchase health insurance eligible for federal subsidies. Under Obamacare, states must implement these exchanges by Jan. 1, 2014, or the federal government will do it for them.State health insurance exchanges are really the meat and potatoes of Obamacare, and also the structure that would enable enforcement of the individual mandate.
...
Health insurance exchanges involve the total takeover of the health-care market by the federal government, whether through a voluntary state health insurance exchange or a default federal exchange.
http://www.concordmonitor.com/article/308394/we-must-reject-health-exchange?SESS4e64e70cbb755cdd78e4464b1ef34cc9=google&page=full
Hat tip: Concord Monitor
Idaho- "Gov. Otter Gives Up the Fight, Before it Even Got Started"
The health exchange issue has put Gov. Butch Otter in the middle, flanked by two of his natural constituencies.
On one side are the business interests that have reliably supported Otter throughout his political career. They believe, adamantly, that a state-run health exchange is a must — because it provides small businesses with a marketplace where they can shop for affordable insurance.
On the other side are some of the most conservative members of the Legislature. They believe, adamantly, that an exchange is simply an extension of a federal government takeover of health care, especially since it would be bankrolled by $20.3 million from the federal health care law.
Otter seems to be taking the easiest possible way out.
Last week, he told reporters that the health exchange issue is all but moot because the state probably doesn’t have enough time to put together the framework of a plan to meet a January 2013 federal deadline.
http://www.idahostatesman.com/2012/01/29/1972803/otter-gives-up-the-fight-before.html
Hat tip: Idaho Statesman
The health reform law relies on “exchanges” in each state to connect Americans with insurance. Starting in 2014, people will be able to shop in these marketplaces to buy insurance coverage. Many will get help from the government to pay for it.
States are supposed to build their exchanges or the federal government will do it for them.
...
It was a reminder that special interests will work hard to benefit themselves, and they are circling again this year.
Granted, the federal government is vulnerable to the same types of influences. Yet executive branch officials are comparatively less likely to be swayed by special interests. They don’t receive campaign contributions. They don’t have to pander to voters.
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20120202/OPINION03/302020041/1094/SPORTS0206/?odyssey=nav%7Chead
Hat tip: Des Moines Register
New Hampshire- "We Must Reject Health Exchange"
The New Hampshire House will take up legislation soon that would prohibit a state health insurance exchange and force Washington to repeal, replace or amend Obamacare.A health insurance exchange is a bureaucratic set of state-regulated and standardized health care plans in the United States, from which individuals may purchase health insurance eligible for federal subsidies. Under Obamacare, states must implement these exchanges by Jan. 1, 2014, or the federal government will do it for them.State health insurance exchanges are really the meat and potatoes of Obamacare, and also the structure that would enable enforcement of the individual mandate.
...
Health insurance exchanges involve the total takeover of the health-care market by the federal government, whether through a voluntary state health insurance exchange or a default federal exchange.
http://www.concordmonitor.com/article/308394/we-must-reject-health-exchange?SESS4e64e70cbb755cdd78e4464b1ef34cc9=google&page=full
Hat tip: Concord Monitor
Idaho- "Gov. Otter Gives Up the Fight, Before it Even Got Started"
The health exchange issue has put Gov. Butch Otter in the middle, flanked by two of his natural constituencies.
On one side are the business interests that have reliably supported Otter throughout his political career. They believe, adamantly, that a state-run health exchange is a must — because it provides small businesses with a marketplace where they can shop for affordable insurance.
On the other side are some of the most conservative members of the Legislature. They believe, adamantly, that an exchange is simply an extension of a federal government takeover of health care, especially since it would be bankrolled by $20.3 million from the federal health care law.
Otter seems to be taking the easiest possible way out.
Last week, he told reporters that the health exchange issue is all but moot because the state probably doesn’t have enough time to put together the framework of a plan to meet a January 2013 federal deadline.
http://www.idahostatesman.com/2012/01/29/1972803/otter-gives-up-the-fight-before.html
Hat tip: Idaho Statesman
Monday, January 30, 2012
New Hampshire-Industry Group Supports Health Insurance Exchange
A group of health insurers, businesses, chambers of commerce and the Business and Industry Association called Monday for the state Senate to pass a bill sponsored by Sen. Ray White, R-Bedford, to create a state health insurance exchange.
...
Paula Rogers, government relations director for Anthem Blue Cross-Blue Shield New Hampshire, which supports the bill, said in a telephone interview, “We think it’s crafted in an efficient manner to do the job that would need to be done under the Affordable Care Act,” she said. “It’s minimally intrusive to the competitive market; it can be disassembled in an orderly fashion if the Affordable Care Act provisions that pertain to it were found unconstitutional,” she said.
The bill was tabled by the Senate earlier this month.
This bill establishes the New Hampshire health benefit exchange as a public corporation. The bill also establishes an exchange board to provide procedures to facilitate the exchange’s purpose, which is to assist in the purchase and sale of qualified health plans and to meet the requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The insurance commissioner is granted rule-making authority for the purposes of the bill.
http://www.unionleader.com/article/20120131/NEWS02/701319977
Hat tip: New Hampshire Union Leader
...
Paula Rogers, government relations director for Anthem Blue Cross-Blue Shield New Hampshire, which supports the bill, said in a telephone interview, “We think it’s crafted in an efficient manner to do the job that would need to be done under the Affordable Care Act,” she said. “It’s minimally intrusive to the competitive market; it can be disassembled in an orderly fashion if the Affordable Care Act provisions that pertain to it were found unconstitutional,” she said.
The bill was tabled by the Senate earlier this month.
This bill establishes the New Hampshire health benefit exchange as a public corporation. The bill also establishes an exchange board to provide procedures to facilitate the exchange’s purpose, which is to assist in the purchase and sale of qualified health plans and to meet the requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The insurance commissioner is granted rule-making authority for the purposes of the bill.
http://www.unionleader.com/article/20120131/NEWS02/701319977
Hat tip: New Hampshire Union Leader
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)