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Regulator Urges Action On MI Online Health Exchange

WKAR file photo

State House members held a hearing Wednesday on a federal law requiring states to set up a website to help people buy health insurance. The mandate is part of the Affordable Care Act. Governor Snyder is pushing for the health insurance exchange. The State Senate has already authorized officials to set one up. But many House Republicans say they want more information.

Steven Hilfinger directs the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. He says a state exchange would give state regulators more control of Michigan’s insurance market.

“In terms of who’s going to make the choice of what’s it going to cost to be on the exchange…we want Michiganders making those decisions," he explains. "We have no idea whether the quality of the federal decision
making would be up to the same standard that we have.”

The federal government could impose a health insurance exchange plan on Michigan if the state doesn't come up with its own by mid-November.

But state House Republicans are not expected vote on the issue until after the November election.

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.
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