Gov. Otter may face opposition on state-based health insurance exchange from lawmakers within GOP
2013 legislative session begins in Boise Monday
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Governor Butch Otter acknowledges his proposed state-run health insurance exchange may face opposition from members of his own party. Video by IdahoOnYourSide.com
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The 2013 Idaho legislative session begins in Boise Monday with Governor Butch Otter's annual State of the State Address.
With only hours to go before his speech, Otter acknowledged his preference of a state-based health insurance exchange might face resisitance from conservative lawmakers in the Idaho legislature who view the Affordable Care Act as an assault on Idahoans' freedoms.
"I think it is a states' rights issue that we should be at the table," Otter said.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department gave the Gem State conditional approval to set up and run a state-based exchange, but some lawmakers are still hostile to making legislation under the guidance of the national mandate.
"It really comes down to the view of many in the legislature that this is not an appropriate federal role," Idaho Statesman Columnist Dan Popkey said. "Even though the Supreme Court approved the Affordable Care Act, and said it was constiutional, they just don't want to have any part of it."
By 2014, most Americans will be required to buy health insurance or pay a penalty.
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