Good news came out of the Governor\u2019s office today when Governor C.L. \u201cButch\u201d Otter declared that Idaho will opt for a state-based health exchange, subject to legislative approval. Governor Otter said today that his decision reflects \u201cmy continued determination for Idaho to be actively engaged in making the best possible choices-to the degree we are allowed- in the interest of more accessible and affordable health care for our citizens.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Idaho Health Exchange Alliance is extremely pleased to hear Governor Otter has chosen to build a health exchange for Idahoans, by Idahoans. To read more on Governor Otter\u2019s decision, please click here.<\/p>\n
Many Idaho lawmakers had opted to do nothing on an health exchange, gambling unsuccessfully that the U.S. Supreme Court would overturn the national health insurance law, will now receive health exchange legislation from Governor Otter when they convene in January.<\/p>\n
Governor Otter\u2019s decision follows the overwhelming vote of a working group he appointed to study the issue for months. Sen. John Goedde, R-Coeur d\u2019Alene, who served on the group, said, \u201cI think the governor did the right thing, in the face of certainly a lot of opposition.\u201d<\/p>\n
Goedde said, \u201cI don\u2019t think that we have any choice \u2013 we\u2019re going to establish a state-based exchange, or we are going to get the federal exchange by default.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Idaho Health Exchange Alliance was also effective in writing letter to the editors, opinion pieces and calling your local legislators and the Governor\u2019s office. Due to their efforts they were able to spread the word and advocate for a state-based exchange for the last four and a half months.<\/p>\n
WORKING GROUP ON HEALTH INSURANCE EXCHANGE:<\/p>\n
Governor Otter still remained critical of the national health care reform law, which he maintains won\u2019t lower health care costs. \u201cBut it is an unfortunate and unwelcome reality, and it would be irresponsible of me to simply abandon the field to federal bureaucrats,\u201d he said. \u201c In the face of uncertainty we must assert our independence and our commitment to self-determination while fulfilling our responsibility to the rule of law.\u201d<\/p>\n
Health insurance exchanges, under the national health care reform law, will be created to provide an online marketplace where consumers can shop for the plans, rates and features they want, and also access government subsidies if they qualify for them. States have the option of setting up their own exchanges, partnering with the federal government, or doing nothing and allowing the federal government to operate their state exchanges.<\/p>\n
IDAHO INSURANCE AGENCY
\nPaul King and Charlotte Hildebrandt
\n1650 Albright Ln #101
\nBoise, Idaho 83709
\n208-377-7101<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Good news came out of the Governor\u2019s office today when Governor C.L. \u201cButch\u201d Otter declared that Idaho will opt for a state-based health exchange, subject to legislative approval. Governor Otter said today that his decision reflects \u201cmy continued determination for Idaho to be actively engaged in making the best possible choices-to the degree we are […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n