Idaho applies for US money for insurance exchange

AP via Houston Chronicle ^ | Sept. 29, 2011 | Jesse L. Bonner

[La Enchiladita]

BOISE, Idaho — The state has applied for millions of dollars in federal funding to establish a health insurance exchange, but any plans to spend the money will still need approval from the Republican-dominated Idaho Legislature and could face an uphill battle in 2012.

Idaho House Republicans' disdain of the health care overhaul passed by Congress doomed a previous effort to set aside federal money to help Idaho set up a statewide exchange. Lawmakers voted 50-15 in March to kill an appropriations bill that included the $2.5 million in federal cash.

[La Enchiladita]

The state is now seeking more than $30 million in federal grant money to build an insurance exchange, which would offer one-stop shopping for people and small businesses buying coverage directly from an insurer. Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter announced Sept. 20 the state would apply for the federal funding.

Is this the first step in implementing ZeroCare? Are the states caving?? What is going on....

[lurk]

Sounds like the legislature is clear-thinking, but the administration is getting jelly legs.

[ken21]

Stupid.

[Myrddin]

Lots of low income people in Idaho on medicaid. Obamacare will trash the state budget.