Senate Panels Hear Testimony On Health Insurance Exchange

Unless the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is repealed by Congress or struck down by the courts, Michigan will have no choice but to participate in mandatory healthcare insurance exchanges. The state can, however, craft its own exchange instead of using the federal government’s exchange.

Wednesday, the Senate Insurance and Health Policy committees heard testimony from business and labor groups, the Small Business Association of Michigan, and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. All agreed that a state-run Health Exchange is a better option than the federal government’s model. The state is working against a January 2013 deadline upon which such an exchange must be established before the PPACA takes effect in 2014.

The exchange will become a clearing house for small business and non-profits having less than 100 employees. Senate Republicans expressed their dismay for having to even consider the plan. A 150-member workgroup, including diverse stakeholders, has been meeting for several months to consider implementation strategies including the establishment of a governing board with industry experts.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, July 15, 2011 10:59 AM
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