Nebraska waiting to create their health insurance exchange

Until there is a clearer picture on what the federal health insurance exchange looks like, Nebraska Department of Insurance Director Bruce Ramge has told the state it is best to wait before any recommendations can be made as to build a state run health exchange.  They are also waiting to see what the Supreme Court states as to the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act.

The Insurance Journal reports that Omaha Sen. Jeremy Nordquist, the Chair of National Conference of State Legislature’s Health Committee, stated: “We lose nothing by moving forward and enacting legislation. If we sit on our hands and the court upholds the law, we’re going to be way behind the game, potentially to the point where the federal government says, ‘Nebraska, you’re not ready. We’re going to run the exchange for you.”

Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, Director of Coverage Policy, Office of Health Reform (OHR), Department of Health and Human Services, will be at the Health Insurance Exchange Congress this coming November to discuss, "Spread Excellence throughout the System: Better Care for Patients and Better Health for the U.S. Population," looking at how a health insurance exchange can be a benefit to those who are covered.  For more information on the event, download the brochure here.

Do you agree with Nebraska's actions?  What are the advantages and disadvantages of waiting until the Supreme Court rules on the Affordable Care Act?