Mary Katharine Ham
HotAir
12/6/2012
…The governor today vetoed state-exchange legislation from his state assembly— a revised version of bill he vetoed in May— and says it comes down to insufficient information from the federal government on what building an exchange will entail. From his statement:
“Such an important decision as how to best move forward for New Jerseyans can only be understood and reasonably made when fairly and fully compared to the overall value of the other options. Until the federal government gives us all the necessary information, any other action than this would be fiscally irresponsible. Thus far, we lack such critical information from the federal government. I will not ask New Jerseyans to commit today to a state-based exchange when the federal government cannot tell us what it will cost, how that cost compares to other options, and how much control they will give the states over this option that comes at the cost of our state’s taxpayers.”
“Financing the building and implementation of a state-based exchange would be an extraordinarily costly endeavor,” continued Governor Christie. “While the federal governmental has enabled states to apply for grant funding to cover some of the initial costs of such an endeavor, the total price for such a program has never been quantified, and is likely to be onerous. Without knowing the full scope of which exchange option would be most beneficial and cost efficient for New Jerseyans, it would be irresponsible to force such a bill on our citizens.”
Remember, the Obama administration just put forth a regulation explaining what elements must be in exchange insurance plans the week of Thanksgiving— 32 months after the bill passed and just 11 months before open enrollment is due to start in exchanges. The Affordable Care Act gave states the option to build exchanges on their own, partner with the federal government to build them, or hand over the building of the exchange to the federal government entirely…
…Christie did not close the door on some day starting an exchange once the state has more information from the federal government, but he’s not going to be among the first down this path…
The complete article is at HotAir.com
Related: Tennessee Governor Haslam Says No to Obamacare Exchange
…Tennessee joins a growing number of states that have decided not to establish a state run health care exchange. Only seventeen of the fifty states to date have reportedly agreed to establish state-run health care exchanges.
Update: Obama Administration to States on Medicaid Expansion: Take It or Leave It
