Gov. Otter delays decision for healthcare exchange
Governor Otter announced today he will be delaying his decision on whether Idaho will build its own insurance exchange or let the national government take it over.
The deadline has been moved from today, Friday, Nov. 16 to Dec. 14 by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. Dec. 14 also is the deadline for states that opt to build their own exchange to submit plans for meeting federal mandates on its design and operation.
“I have my working group’s recommendation, and I have been listening carefully to stakeholders and citizens about this important choice. This extension gives us more time to get answers from HHS about what the federal requirements will be,” said Governor Otter.. “I don’t want us buying a pig in a poke, so with this extension I’m hoping we’ll get answers to the questions and concerns we’re hearing from legislators and the public.”
Previously, a governor-appointed panel told Otter to adopt a state-based exchange.
A health insurance exchange is part of President Obama's overhaul where individuals and small businesses will be able to shop for insurance via an Internet portal.
Associated Press contributed to this story
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