Gov. Chris Gregoire and other Democratic officials marked Friday’s second anniversary of the signing of the Affordable Care Act – which Republicans prefer to call Obamacare – with a signing ceremony of their own.
Gregoire signed legislation to help set up health insurance exchanges in Washington, a system that would help individuals and small businesses shop for medical plans by 2014.
“The current (health care system) groans under its own weight,” Gregoire said at the signing ceremony. “We cannot afford health care today in America.”
...
The state exchange doesn’t go into effect until 2014, but state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler said the state will need much of that time to set it up properly: “If we slow down and wait because of the uncertainty, we won’t meet the time limits.”
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2012/mar/23/health-exchange-signed-law/
Hat Tip: The Spokesman-Review
Friday, March 23, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Wyoming- Health Exchange Group Meets Next Week in Casper
The group studying models for a Wyoming health insurance exchange will meet next week in Casper.
...
As it turns out, the Wyoming Business Coalition on Health is holding its own forum on exchanges earlier that day. So if you have a burning desire to study virtual insurance marketplaces, you can learn about exchanges in the morning and then watch one being developing in the afternoon.
http://trib.com/news/updates/health-exchange-group-meets-next-week-in-casper/article_6145c5a6-5b7f-56d9-8b07-832d4fe5a14c.html
Hat Tip: Casper Tribune
...
As it turns out, the Wyoming Business Coalition on Health is holding its own forum on exchanges earlier that day. So if you have a burning desire to study virtual insurance marketplaces, you can learn about exchanges in the morning and then watch one being developing in the afternoon.
http://trib.com/news/updates/health-exchange-group-meets-next-week-in-casper/article_6145c5a6-5b7f-56d9-8b07-832d4fe5a14c.html
Hat Tip: Casper Tribune
Utah- A View From the Beehive State
Of all the states, Utah may win for most complicated relationship with the federal health reform law. It’s one of just two states that now operates a health insurance exchange - the other being Massachusetts.
...
The Utah one looks quite different: There are no subsidies; nor are there standards for coverage. State officials like to compare it to a farmer’s market: Health insurers show up and sell their products, and subscribers decide whether to purchase. Utah is pretty hands-off with its exchange, which is run by just two state employees.
...
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert, a Republican, certainly hopes that his exchange will survive the federal health overhaul. “I’m cautiously optimistic our health care exchange will pass muster,” he said in an interview Wednesday.
...
The federal government almost certainly won’t let the Utah exchange stand as is, given requirements for exchanges under the Affordable Care Act. The state’s marketplace serves only small businesses right now, while the federal law requires states to allow individuals to purchase coverage. Federal law also mandates that the exchange connects to a state’s Medicaid office; Utah’s Connector does not.
...
Right now, Utah says it’s still far from getting the answers on the administration’s ground rules. While there are multiple regulations on the exchanges, there is little about the consequences for states that don’t comply.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/on-the-health-care-act-a-view-from-utah/2012/03/21/gIQAkbfISS_blog.html
Hat Tip: Washington Post, WonkBlog, Sarah Kliff
...
The Utah one looks quite different: There are no subsidies; nor are there standards for coverage. State officials like to compare it to a farmer’s market: Health insurers show up and sell their products, and subscribers decide whether to purchase. Utah is pretty hands-off with its exchange, which is run by just two state employees.
...
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert, a Republican, certainly hopes that his exchange will survive the federal health overhaul. “I’m cautiously optimistic our health care exchange will pass muster,” he said in an interview Wednesday.
...
The federal government almost certainly won’t let the Utah exchange stand as is, given requirements for exchanges under the Affordable Care Act. The state’s marketplace serves only small businesses right now, while the federal law requires states to allow individuals to purchase coverage. Federal law also mandates that the exchange connects to a state’s Medicaid office; Utah’s Connector does not.
...
Right now, Utah says it’s still far from getting the answers on the administration’s ground rules. While there are multiple regulations on the exchanges, there is little about the consequences for states that don’t comply.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/on-the-health-care-act-a-view-from-utah/2012/03/21/gIQAkbfISS_blog.html
Hat Tip: Washington Post, WonkBlog, Sarah Kliff
Maryland- Senate Committee Approves Health Exchange Bill
A new state health insurance exchange for Maryland residents is one step closer to being final after the Senate Finance Committee approved an exchange bill Wednesday evening.
The House Health and Government Operations Committee approved plans March 20 for the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange March 20. The measure is expected to reach the Senate and House floors in the coming days.
http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/news/2012/03/21/maryland-senate-committee-approves.html
Hat Tip: Baltimore Business Journal
The House Health and Government Operations Committee approved plans March 20 for the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange March 20. The measure is expected to reach the Senate and House floors in the coming days.
http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/news/2012/03/21/maryland-senate-committee-approves.html
Hat Tip: Baltimore Business Journal
Utah- Ditching Loaded Label ‘Health Exchange’
Utah is ditching the loaded label "health exchange" and looking to re-brand its online insurance portal to resonate more with consumers.
Plans to rename Utah’s Health Exchange and possibly scrap all references to the word "exchange" were announced this week at an advisory board meeting by its director, Patty Conner, who said the word carries negative connotations.
Initially plagued by high premiums and lackluster enrollment, Utah’s Health Exchange now insures 5,513 employees and their dependents at 225 small companies. Data also show that prices inside the exchange are lower or the same as those outside.
Whether she was referring to the shopping tool’s halting success, or public angst over Obama’s signature health overhaul, isn’t clear.
In an interview, Conner said the re-branding effort will be more of a publicity blitz geared toward drumming up business in preparation for 2014, when 300,000 uninsured Utahns will be forced under the federal health law to buy insurance.
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/53766136-78/exchange-health-utah-conner.html.csp
Hat Tip: The Salt Lake Tribune
Plans to rename Utah’s Health Exchange and possibly scrap all references to the word "exchange" were announced this week at an advisory board meeting by its director, Patty Conner, who said the word carries negative connotations.
Initially plagued by high premiums and lackluster enrollment, Utah’s Health Exchange now insures 5,513 employees and their dependents at 225 small companies. Data also show that prices inside the exchange are lower or the same as those outside.
Whether she was referring to the shopping tool’s halting success, or public angst over Obama’s signature health overhaul, isn’t clear.
In an interview, Conner said the re-branding effort will be more of a publicity blitz geared toward drumming up business in preparation for 2014, when 300,000 uninsured Utahns will be forced under the federal health law to buy insurance.
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/53766136-78/exchange-health-utah-conner.html.csp
Hat Tip: The Salt Lake Tribune
National- Even Reluctant States Design Health Insurance Exchanges
Virginia Republican Governor Bob McDonnell wants the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down the 2010 health-care overhaul. That hasn’t stopped him from taking $1 million from the federal government to uphold one of the law’s top provisions. Virginia is using the money to help design a statewide market, or exchange, where uninsured people and small businesses can buy health coverage, starting in 2014.
...
U.S. officials haven’t disclosed rules for the federal exchange, raising the prospect that it might not be ready in time. That would make the states’ job even tougher, as they need to get tax and immigration data from Washington to identify who’s eligible for policies and whether they qualify for subsidies.
...
U.S. officials haven’t disclosed rules for the federal exchange, raising the prospect that it might not be ready in time. That would make the states’ job even tougher, as they need to get tax and immigration data from Washington to identify who’s eligible for policies and whether they qualify for subsidies.
...
States are better off complying with the health-care law instead of losing their power to regulate health services for millions of their residents, says former Tennessee Democratic Governor Philip Bredesen.
That’s not the sentiment in Louisiana, whose officials view the overhaul as unconstitutional and “just bad public policy” because it adds bureaucracy and doesn’t do enough to control health-care costs, says Bruce Greenstein, secretary of the state’s Department of Health and Hospitals. The state declined to start planning an exchange.
Arkansas also is sitting out the process because of disagreements between its Republican-controlled legislature and Democratic Governor Mike Beebe. Beebe won a $7.7 million federal grant last month to develop technology links between his existing Medicaid program and the exchange the federal government will run in the state.
Colorado, with the same partisan split between its governor and legislature, opted to strike a compromise and pass a law authorizing an exchange. The state has received $19 million in federal money so far and is weighing bids from 12 vendors to build the system.
http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-03-22/even-reluctant-states-design-health-insurance-exchanges
Hat Tip: Bloomberg BusinessWeek
States are better off complying with the health-care law instead of losing their power to regulate health services for millions of their residents, says former Tennessee Democratic Governor Philip Bredesen.
That’s not the sentiment in Louisiana, whose officials view the overhaul as unconstitutional and “just bad public policy” because it adds bureaucracy and doesn’t do enough to control health-care costs, says Bruce Greenstein, secretary of the state’s Department of Health and Hospitals. The state declined to start planning an exchange.
Arkansas also is sitting out the process because of disagreements between its Republican-controlled legislature and Democratic Governor Mike Beebe. Beebe won a $7.7 million federal grant last month to develop technology links between his existing Medicaid program and the exchange the federal government will run in the state.
Colorado, with the same partisan split between its governor and legislature, opted to strike a compromise and pass a law authorizing an exchange. The state has received $19 million in federal money so far and is weighing bids from 12 vendors to build the system.
http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-03-22/even-reluctant-states-design-health-insurance-exchanges
Hat Tip: Bloomberg BusinessWeek
New York- Senate Leader Casts Doubt on Health Exchanges
Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos is casting doubt on whether the state budget will include a health exchange required under the federal health care act, saying there is too much uncertainty to create it now.
As part of the federal health care act backed by President Obama and approved by Congress, states are required to set up health exchanges so that the uninsured can buy the health care plans that they will be required to purchase when the act is fully implemented.
Negotiations on the health care exchange for New York began nearly a year ago, but an agreement fell through during the final week of the 2011 legislative session, when some Republican Senators objected to enacting any portion of what opponents call “Obamacare”.
This year, Governor Cuomo made a second attempt to enact the health exchanges. He has made them part of his new budget plan. But the Republican Leader of the Senate, Dean Skelos, says his GOP Majority is very reluctant to sign off on the exchanges.
http://wxxinews.org/post/senate-leader-casts-doubt-health-exchanges
Hat Tip: WXXI News - NPR
As part of the federal health care act backed by President Obama and approved by Congress, states are required to set up health exchanges so that the uninsured can buy the health care plans that they will be required to purchase when the act is fully implemented.
Negotiations on the health care exchange for New York began nearly a year ago, but an agreement fell through during the final week of the 2011 legislative session, when some Republican Senators objected to enacting any portion of what opponents call “Obamacare”.
This year, Governor Cuomo made a second attempt to enact the health exchanges. He has made them part of his new budget plan. But the Republican Leader of the Senate, Dean Skelos, says his GOP Majority is very reluctant to sign off on the exchanges.
http://wxxinews.org/post/senate-leader-casts-doubt-health-exchanges
Hat Tip: WXXI News - NPR
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
CO-Ops- Utah: May Start Health Insurance CO-OP
Where some saw doom in federal health reform, Shaun Greene saw a business opportunity.
...
Captivated by a little-known provision for health insurance cooperatives, he convinced a powerhouse group of industry leaders to start one in Utah.
For now, Aarches Community Health Care is a business plan, which its founders will unveil Wednesday at a community forum in Taylorsville.
...
Like electric, farm and dairy co-ops in rural parts of America, health co-ops, or "Consumer Operated and Oriented Health Plans," provide an under-produced good or service — in this case, affordable health coverage.
The idea was championed by a bipartisan group in Congress as an alternative to a public option, or government-run health plan.
...
"We lost six months, but now we have a better business plan," said Greene, who will spend the next year traveling the state to promote it.
The group faces fierce competition considering Utah’s insurance market is already dominated by two nonprofits, SelectHealth and Regence BlueCross BlueShield.
But it will open for business in 2014, just as 300,000 uninsured Utahns will be shopping for the best insurance deals on state exchanges.
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/53754213-78/health-care-baker-public.html.csp
Hat Tip: The Salt Lake Tribune
...
Captivated by a little-known provision for health insurance cooperatives, he convinced a powerhouse group of industry leaders to start one in Utah.
For now, Aarches Community Health Care is a business plan, which its founders will unveil Wednesday at a community forum in Taylorsville.
...
Like electric, farm and dairy co-ops in rural parts of America, health co-ops, or "Consumer Operated and Oriented Health Plans," provide an under-produced good or service — in this case, affordable health coverage.
The idea was championed by a bipartisan group in Congress as an alternative to a public option, or government-run health plan.
...
"We lost six months, but now we have a better business plan," said Greene, who will spend the next year traveling the state to promote it.
The group faces fierce competition considering Utah’s insurance market is already dominated by two nonprofits, SelectHealth and Regence BlueCross BlueShield.
But it will open for business in 2014, just as 300,000 uninsured Utahns will be shopping for the best insurance deals on state exchanges.
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/53754213-78/health-care-baker-public.html.csp
Hat Tip: The Salt Lake Tribune
New Jersey- Christie Being Pushed to Support 'Health Exchange'
With the state Legislature expected to approve a bill Thursday creating a "health exchange" — the cornerstone of the federal health care law that will help people shop for cheaper coverage — a group of family, consumer and senior citizen advocates today challenged Gov. Chris Christie to support the effort.
But Christie, a Republican, has not committed to creating a health exchange, and won't make a decision until the U.S. Supreme Court decides this year whether the Affordable Care Act is constitutional, state Banking and Insurance spokesman Marshall McKnight said. The nation's highest court will hear arguments on the case in two weeks.
Waiting for the Supreme Court's decision, however, is "leaving millions of dollars on the table," said Ray Castro, a senior analyst at New Jersey Policy Perspective, a liberal leaning think tank which participated in the Trenton press conference to call attention to the bill. The Christie administration has delayed applying for larger grants, unlike Pennsylvania which received $30 million and New York that qualified for $40 million.
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/03/christie_being_pushed_to_suppo.html
Hat Tip: NJ.Com
But Christie, a Republican, has not committed to creating a health exchange, and won't make a decision until the U.S. Supreme Court decides this year whether the Affordable Care Act is constitutional, state Banking and Insurance spokesman Marshall McKnight said. The nation's highest court will hear arguments on the case in two weeks.
Waiting for the Supreme Court's decision, however, is "leaving millions of dollars on the table," said Ray Castro, a senior analyst at New Jersey Policy Perspective, a liberal leaning think tank which participated in the Trenton press conference to call attention to the bill. The Christie administration has delayed applying for larger grants, unlike Pennsylvania which received $30 million and New York that qualified for $40 million.
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/03/christie_being_pushed_to_suppo.html
Hat Tip: NJ.Com
National- New Rules for Setting Up Health Exchanges
The feds have issued new rules on how the exchanges will be formed and how they will work.
Some highlights:
-States can decide whether their exchanges should be operated by a non-profit organization or a public agency, how participating plans will be selected, and whether to partner with the Department of Health and Human services for some key functions
-a state can choose to operate its exchange in partnership with other states through a regional exchange or it can operate multiple exchanges that cover distinct areas within the state
-states are allowed to police insurers by using “secret shoppers” to ensure sick people aren’t discouraged from signing up
-exchanges must operate a website that facilitates comparisons among qualified health plans and operate a customer support hotline
-exchanges must conduct outreach to educate consumers regarding the exchanges
-exchanges must determine and explain the eligibility requirements for enrollment in a qualified health plan (one that satisfies minimum benefit standards), and
-individuals participating in exchanges must be allowed to change from one qualified plan to another outside of open enrollment if certain things occur — like marriage, birth or adoption.
Even though the new rules don’t impact employers directly, companies can use them to determine what they should offer for their plans to be considered competitive when measured against plans offered in an exchange.
http://www.hrmorning.com/new-rules-for-setting-up-health-exchanges/
Hat Tip: HR Morning
Some highlights:
-States can decide whether their exchanges should be operated by a non-profit organization or a public agency, how participating plans will be selected, and whether to partner with the Department of Health and Human services for some key functions
-a state can choose to operate its exchange in partnership with other states through a regional exchange or it can operate multiple exchanges that cover distinct areas within the state
-states are allowed to police insurers by using “secret shoppers” to ensure sick people aren’t discouraged from signing up
-exchanges must operate a website that facilitates comparisons among qualified health plans and operate a customer support hotline
-exchanges must conduct outreach to educate consumers regarding the exchanges
-exchanges must determine and explain the eligibility requirements for enrollment in a qualified health plan (one that satisfies minimum benefit standards), and
-individuals participating in exchanges must be allowed to change from one qualified plan to another outside of open enrollment if certain things occur — like marriage, birth or adoption.
Even though the new rules don’t impact employers directly, companies can use them to determine what they should offer for their plans to be considered competitive when measured against plans offered in an exchange.
http://www.hrmorning.com/new-rules-for-setting-up-health-exchanges/
Hat Tip: HR Morning
New York- Republicans Want Further Study on a Health Exchange
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.
...
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
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.
...
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
Hawaii- Consumer Advocates Lash Out at Governor Appointments to Exchange Board
Railing against a potential conflict of interest, a group of consumer groups and community organizations called for a House committee today to amend a bill to exclude representatives of three health insurers appointed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie to a federally mandated health insurance exchange.
The consumer advocates said during a press conference in the Capitol Rotunda that allowing Hawaii Medical Service Association, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii and Hawaii Dental Service to remain on the 11-member exchange board would be a conflict of interest because they will have a direct financial stake in decisions of the exchange, known as the Hawaii Health Connector. The consumer groups said as many as 100,000 Hawaii residents are currently without health insurance and that the exchange, due to begin in January 2014, would represent a new market valued at an estimated $300 million.
The representative of a fourth health plan provider, Ohana Health Plan, withdrew his name as a nominee today after accepting a position at Kaiser.
Consumer advocates said the alleged conflict would prevent the insurers from acting in the public interest and said that the insurers could be more fairly utilized as technical consultants but not actual members of the board. A hearing on SB2434 was heard today by the House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce.
http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/143424236.html
Hat Tip: Honolulu Star-Advertiser
The consumer advocates said during a press conference in the Capitol Rotunda that allowing Hawaii Medical Service Association, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii and Hawaii Dental Service to remain on the 11-member exchange board would be a conflict of interest because they will have a direct financial stake in decisions of the exchange, known as the Hawaii Health Connector. The consumer groups said as many as 100,000 Hawaii residents are currently without health insurance and that the exchange, due to begin in January 2014, would represent a new market valued at an estimated $300 million.
The representative of a fourth health plan provider, Ohana Health Plan, withdrew his name as a nominee today after accepting a position at Kaiser.
Consumer advocates said the alleged conflict would prevent the insurers from acting in the public interest and said that the insurers could be more fairly utilized as technical consultants but not actual members of the board. A hearing on SB2434 was heard today by the House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce.
http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/143424236.html
Hat Tip: Honolulu Star-Advertiser
Washington- Fledgling Exchange Moves Ahead
Washington state moved closer this week to opening its own online marketplace for consumers to shop for health insurance.
...
Washington's exchange will essentially be a public-private partnership designed to give consumers an easy way to compare the benefits of various plans, said Richard Onizuka, the assistant director of the Health Care Policy Division of the state Health Care Authority. It will be developed and implemented by a board of nine officials from health agencies, the medical industry and other sectors appointed by Gov. Chris Gregoire and two non-voting members.
...
Along with the website, the exchange will perform several functions. It will certify qualified health plans based on federal standards, provide information for consumers about their eligibility for Medicaid and other health programs, and operate a hotline for consumers. It will also run "navigator" programs, systems set up to inform people and assist them in purchasing the best health plan for them.
The exchange will offer several categories of plans. Platinum, the highest-coverage option, will pay for 90 percent of the costs to cover a list of benefits the government considers essential, such as emergency care. Bronze, a lower-coverage option, will pay for 60 percent of the costs. Silver and gold plans will fall between the two. The "essential benefits" covered in each plan include access to prescription drugs, mental health care, hospitalization and maternity care.
Under the new system, catastrophic plans will be offered solely inside the exchange. These plans are only available for low-income consumers age 30 or younger, and they offer a low coverage level.
...
Under the new system, insurance providers will be able to sell plans outside the exchange if they so choose. Concern recently arose at the Insurance Commissioner's Office over the possibility that providers would opt to offer cheaper plans outside the exchange without providing more expensive and options.
http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/03/washingtons_fledgling_health_i.html
Hat Tip: Oregon Live
...
Washington's exchange will essentially be a public-private partnership designed to give consumers an easy way to compare the benefits of various plans, said Richard Onizuka, the assistant director of the Health Care Policy Division of the state Health Care Authority. It will be developed and implemented by a board of nine officials from health agencies, the medical industry and other sectors appointed by Gov. Chris Gregoire and two non-voting members.
...
Along with the website, the exchange will perform several functions. It will certify qualified health plans based on federal standards, provide information for consumers about their eligibility for Medicaid and other health programs, and operate a hotline for consumers. It will also run "navigator" programs, systems set up to inform people and assist them in purchasing the best health plan for them.
The exchange will offer several categories of plans. Platinum, the highest-coverage option, will pay for 90 percent of the costs to cover a list of benefits the government considers essential, such as emergency care. Bronze, a lower-coverage option, will pay for 60 percent of the costs. Silver and gold plans will fall between the two. The "essential benefits" covered in each plan include access to prescription drugs, mental health care, hospitalization and maternity care.
Under the new system, catastrophic plans will be offered solely inside the exchange. These plans are only available for low-income consumers age 30 or younger, and they offer a low coverage level.
...
Under the new system, insurance providers will be able to sell plans outside the exchange if they so choose. Concern recently arose at the Insurance Commissioner's Office over the possibility that providers would opt to offer cheaper plans outside the exchange without providing more expensive and options.
http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/03/washingtons_fledgling_health_i.html
Hat Tip: Oregon Live
Wyoming- Coalition Plans Forum on Health Exchanges
Insurance exchanges are a key part of the federal effort to reform health care, but many employers still don’t understand how they work.
“It’s really a vague, fuzzy notion for most people,” said Anne Ladd, chief executive of the Wyoming Business Coalition on Health.
Ladd wants to change that. She believes the more business owners know about exchanges, the more they’ll like them. That support, in turn, could convince reluctant lawmakers to push forward with a program in Wyoming.
...
A legislative committee has spent more than a year exploring models for a Wyoming exchange. But lawmakers won’t make a final decision on the program until next year - after the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the constitutionality of the federal health reform law.
That won’t leave the state much time to start an exchange before the January 2014 deadline, Ladd said.
Exchanges were popularized by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. But they are mostly associated with President Barack Obama, who is unpopular in Wyoming.
Because of that connection, some people immediately dismiss the value of exchanges. Opinions change, however, when they learn more about the concept, Ladd said.
“The federal legislation has a few hidden gems in there,” she said.
http://trib.com/news/local/casper/coalition-plans-forum-on-health-exchanges/article_62c174d8-f799-5519-9000-d038dc1acf14.html#ixzz1piEP5fiB
Hat Tip: Casper Tribune
“It’s really a vague, fuzzy notion for most people,” said Anne Ladd, chief executive of the Wyoming Business Coalition on Health.
Ladd wants to change that. She believes the more business owners know about exchanges, the more they’ll like them. That support, in turn, could convince reluctant lawmakers to push forward with a program in Wyoming.
...
A legislative committee has spent more than a year exploring models for a Wyoming exchange. But lawmakers won’t make a final decision on the program until next year - after the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the constitutionality of the federal health reform law.
That won’t leave the state much time to start an exchange before the January 2014 deadline, Ladd said.
Exchanges were popularized by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. But they are mostly associated with President Barack Obama, who is unpopular in Wyoming.
Because of that connection, some people immediately dismiss the value of exchanges. Opinions change, however, when they learn more about the concept, Ladd said.
“The federal legislation has a few hidden gems in there,” she said.
http://trib.com/news/local/casper/coalition-plans-forum-on-health-exchanges/article_62c174d8-f799-5519-9000-d038dc1acf14.html#ixzz1piEP5fiB
Hat Tip: Casper Tribune
Missouri- Senate Votes Down Health Insurance Exchange
The Missouri Senate has rejected an attempt to set up a state-run health insurance exchange.
...
On Monday, Sen. Joe Keaveny tried to add an amendment setting up the exchanges to a life insurance bill being debated by the Senate. The full Senate rejected the amendment in a voice vote.
Keaveny, a St. Louis Democrat, says his amendment is nearly identical to legislation approved last year by the Republican-controlled House. That bill never came to a vote in the Senate.
http://www.kfvs12.com/story/17203087/mo-senate-votes-down-health-insurance-exchange
Hat Tip: KFVS- CBS News
...
On Monday, Sen. Joe Keaveny tried to add an amendment setting up the exchanges to a life insurance bill being debated by the Senate. The full Senate rejected the amendment in a voice vote.
Keaveny, a St. Louis Democrat, says his amendment is nearly identical to legislation approved last year by the Republican-controlled House. That bill never came to a vote in the Senate.
http://www.kfvs12.com/story/17203087/mo-senate-votes-down-health-insurance-exchange
Hat Tip: KFVS- CBS News
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)