Legislature discusses Nebraska Health Benefit Exchange Act
by
Josh Egbert
Story Created:
Feb 21, 2012 at 7:30 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Feb 21, 2012 at 8:05 PM CDT
Lawmakers began work today on the state's version of health insurance reform. They're discussing two bills to create the Nebraska Health Benefit Exchange Act.
The bills must meet the requirements of the Affordable Care Act.
That calls for states to have an operating exchange by 2014.
News 5's Josh Egbert was in Lincoln today and has more on the hearings.
Health care was front and center at the state capitol Tuesday.
"The affordable care act is widely seeted the power to develop the exchanges to the states," said Sen. Nordquest's Legislative Aide
Tiffany Seibert.
As lawmakers begin making plans for Nebraska's Health Benefit Exchange Act.
"Health insurance exchange creates a competative market place that gives consumers more control, quality choices and better protections when buying health insurance," said Seibert.
The Act is required under the Federal Affordable Care Act.
"We feel strongly that a state exchange is better for Nebraska consumers because it can be built to meet local needs most efficiently utilizing our existing resources," said Dennis Butler, Health Insurance Professional.
Both Senator Ron Pahls and Jeremy Nordquist say their proposals are works in progress and will likely evolve over the next few weeks.
"And Sen. Nordquist believes to continue to ignore these problems and to do nothing is not the kind of leadership this body owes to its constituents," said Seibert.
The federal reforms and the state exchanges are intended to increase access to quality and affordable health care coverage, reduce the number of people without insurance, and offer more affordable options to businesses.
"Governing the exchange of an independent board will ensure that the exchange does indeed work for the people and not for the interest of the health insurance industry," said Dr. Amanda McKinney, Womens Health Center, Beatrice.
Senator Nordquist took examples from other states for his bill, while Senator Pahls modeled his after the American.
Some states have delayed action on the matter, hoping that the U.S. Supreme Court will find the health reforms are unconstitutional, but Nebraska and many others have moved ahead to ensure they retain control over the health exchange should the federal law be upheld.
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