Health Insurance Exchange Update: Tuesday, August 28

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In today's Health Insurance Exchange Update, we look at how many states are emerging to start considering their own exchanges.  We are also seeing the debate emerge as to how to best name an exchange in order to best encourage use from the public.

The Democratic front runner for governor in Indiana,John Gregg, also former House Speaker have recently met with current Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels to encourage a hybrid exchange powered by both Indiana and the federal government. Gregg will be formally releasing his position in a few days. According to the Courrier Press, the current running Republican Candidate, Mike Pence, is against creating an exchange should he be elected governor Indiana.

The Smart Talk Podcast, recorded in Pennsylvania, looks at how the health insurance exchange would function and also some of the views from Pennsylvania residents. As it currently stands, there are no plans for the state to create the exchange. But as the podcast guests point out the needs for healthcare in Pennsylvania vary widely from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia and many are weary of the one size fits all Exchange that the federal government would provide.

Yesterday, Nebraska encouraged it's citizens to come out and share their feedback on how they feel about the state participating in Health Insurance Exchanges according to it's news channel KOTA.

The Virgin Islands have recently hired consultants to asses their ability to IT abillities and the impact the exchange would have on their current insurances according to JSPURA.

And finally, California is in the process of choosing an name for its exchange.  Of the many names presented, the one catching headlines is "Avocado: A uniquely California approach to affordable healthcare." According to the LA Times, names presented will undergo consumer testing later this year.

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!