Heineman says state health exchange too costly (won't be a partner-n-crime with the Feds)

KETV ^ | 11/15/2012 | KETV

[Kolath]

LINCOLN, Neb. —

Gov. Dave Heineman announced on Thursday that he has submitted Nebraska's choice to participate in the federal health insurance exchange.

Heineman said implementing a federal health care law is the most efficient and cost-effective for Nebraskans.

State officials said in a release that the cost of a state exchange to Nebraska taxpayers is $470 million more than a federal exchange.

All citizens will still have the option to purchase insurance policies through an exchange regardless of the state's decision, officials said.

Heineman said while there were diverse and emotional opinions on this issue, his decision is based on "what is best for Nebraska's hard-working, middle class taxpayers."

[Kolath]

FYI: Congress had a slight oversight and didn't provide the necessary budgeting for the Fed exchanges (ooopsie). Feds were hoping to coerce the states (incentives) to become a "partner" in state-run exchanges only to dump their costs on the states at a future date.

Heineman saw the trap and refused to participate. With the current mood the legislature/state, forming a state exchange is not on the docket. There might even be a statute (most likely petition driven) to forbid any future attempts for a state exchange.

[Agamemnon]

"(won't be a partner-n-crime with the Feds)"

Read it again. He says he WILL "be a partner in crime"

[Kolath]

No, the Feds could run an exchange at any time but THERE IS NO MONEY BUDGETED FOR FED EXCHANGES and they need the states to build their exchanges (to take the fall and get stuck with the medicaid tab).

Partner in crime = setting up a state exchange.

Also, many of the stipulations/penalties don’t kick in unless you have a state exchange.

[calex59]

Headlines don’t match the article, in fact the article is 180 degrees off of the headlines.