Oklahoma Refuses to Set Up Obamacare Exchange
Here's what Gov. Mary Fallin had to say:
"It does not benefit Oklahoma taxpayers to actively support and fund a new government program that will ultimately be under the control of the federal government, that is opposed by a clear majority of Oklahomans, and that will further the implementation of a law that threatens to erode both the quality of American health care and the fiscal stability of the nation,” Fallin said.
I know it's the title of another article, but I don't see the decision to reject a state exchange as a "move against ObamaCare".
Under ObamaCare, if I understand correctly, a state can set up a state exchange, step aside and let the fed set up a fed exchange, or have some kind of combination.
States are choosing door number 2, a fed exchange. They are doing it because everyone knows that the cost will be exorbitant and the states will go broke trying to fund it. The only reason to go the state exchange route would be to run it with different rules, but the fed has taken that option away. Every state exchange must follow the most minute of federal rules. So, the states are reasoning "why get stuck with the bill when we'll have exactly zero say in how it's run."
So, if you can't play unless it's the Fed's way, then let the Fed pay.
That is an absolutely reasonable position, and I expect democratic governor/legislature led states to also follow suit. California would be insane, given their current bankrupt condition, to accept the expenses of a state run exchange.
When Cali opts for a fed exchange, then ObamaCare is going to be in serious hurt for cash.
That is when Obama will propose a new tax structure: a 2-tiered flat tax + a VAT. (He'll have 2 tiers because he sees his credibility riding on "the rich" paying a higher rate.)
Great to see, let’s add some more States to the No Obamacare Exchange Plan.