Health Insurance Exchange Update: Monday, July 2, 2012

Well, it is now official, the President’s Affordable Care Act (ACA) was found constitutional by the highest court in the land, the Supreme Court. But, many across the aisle still do not believe this is true. So, instead of living with this ruling, Republicans in the House will vote on July 11 to repeal (ACA). State officials are protesting as well, waiting and hoping for a Romney win. But, November 16 is the deadline to submit a plan to the Department of Health and Human Services. So there wishful thinking may not end well for them.

Kansas seems to be torn in two separate directions according to Ark City. Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger is at odds with other Republicans in her state to setup the health insurance exchanges. Gov. Sam Brownback wants to delay the setup of exchanges until after the November election. Kansas has not done anything to go forward with some plan. They went so far as to reject the millions of dollars in aid in order to finance the project. Stephen McAllister, who once served as a clerk for Clarence Thomas, said that this wishful thinking by Republicans is a far stretch. If Romney is actually elected in November, he needs Congress in order to overturn the (ACA). So with that being said, there needs to be a Republican Senate and House just to get the right number of votes and while they are waiting for all that to happen, here it will be 2014 when everything goes into effect.

Idaho is in a tight bind after the Supreme Court ruling according to CBS News. The state rejected the $20 million in grants in order to establish the exchanges. They were banking on the ruling of the health care ruling but now that it has been ruled constitutional, Idaho now has to figure out what it will do next in order to comply with the federal government. The state will need lenience from the federal government and quick action in order to meet the November 16 deadline. With little time to set up their own exchanges, the state will have to use the federal government for support.

Michigan is now deciding that they will take their medicine and establish the exchanges according to Detroit Business. Michigan House Speaker Jase Bolger said that the state will move forward with implementing the healthcare law. Gov. Snyder said he will sign bill to allow Michigan to operate its own exchange. However, the Attorney General Bill Schuette said he too wants to wait until the November election.

But there is someone who has a plan. 

Montana will now be moving forward with the implementation of the after the ruling of the Supreme Court according to Great Falls Tribune. Montana insurance commissioner Monica Lindeen said that the state will help the U.S. Department of Health and Human services to establish Montana’s health insurance. This coming after Republican-led state legislature to help design Montana’s own plan was rejected last year. 18 percent of uninsured people in Montana will now be able to buy coverage from private insurers with the help of state-run exchanges.

This November, the Health Insurance Exchange Congress will be held November 13-14, 2012 in Chicago, IL.  Here, state officials and health plans with the only opportunity to come together to discuss PPACA and strategize on how to make this a successful opportunity for all.  For more information on this year's agenda, download the program here.  As a reader of this blog, when you register to join us and mention code XP1710BLOG, you'll receive 15% off the standard rate!