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Alabama health insurance exchange
Despite past support for state exchange, governor opts for federal option
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By Carla Anderson
healthinsurance.org contributor
Gov. Robert Bentley on Nov. 13, 2012, rejected a state-run health exchange. Bentley cited annual operating costs of up to $50 million as his reason for opting for a federally operated exchange. Bentley also ruled out an expansion of Medicaid in the state.
The decision against a state-run exchange came somewhat as a surprise. While the Republican governor consistently opposed many provisions of the Affordable Care Act, he repeatedly expressed support for a state health insurance exchange. He supported exchanges during his campaign for governor, and as governor, he used an executive order to establish the Alabama Health Insurance Exchange Study Commission. In November 2011, that commission unanimously recommended Alabama implement a state-run exchange. Bills to establish a state-run exchange failed to pass in both the 2011 and 2012 sessions.
About 14 percent of Alabama residents lack health insurance, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Updated: Jan. 7, 2013
More Alabama health insurance exchange links
State Exchange Profile: Alabama
The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation overview of Alabama’s progress toward creating a state health insurance exchange.
Affordable Care Act in Your State: Alabama
Executive Order establishing Alabama Health Insurance Exchange Study Commission
Alabama health insurance guide
Alabama resources
Alabama resourcesHealth insurance information, stats, news, quotes and more.
Voice your concerns to your
Alabama elected officials:
Let your Alabama governor and legislators know how you feel about the state's proposed health insurance exchange.
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley600 Dexter Avenue
Montgomery, Alabama 36130
PHONE: 334-242-7100
FAX: 334-353-0004
Contact by e-mail
Contact your Alabama State Senator and State Representative
Related news: AL health insurance exchange
Alabama rejects state-run health insurance exchange, Medicaid expansion
11/13/2012 6:11 PM -- wsfa.com — Gov. Robert Bentley announced Nov. 13 that Alabama will neither operate a state-run health insurance exchange nor expand its Medicaid program — calling both actions too costly. A bill for a state-run exchange passed the Alabama House earlier this year, but failed in the Senate.
Alabama won’t choose a benchmark plan
10/01/2012 4:10 PM -- Montgomery Advertiser — Saying Health and Human Services hasn’t provided enough direction, Gov. Robert Bentley announced Alabama will not select a benchmark plan for essential health benefits. That means Alabama will default to the largest small-group plan in the state.
House passes bill on health insurance exchange
04/27/2012 3:04 AM -- Empowered Living–Alabama’s House of Representatives approved legislation to create a health insurance exchange, and it’s Republican sponsor hopes to have it considered in a Senate committee as quickly as possible.
Health Insurance Exchange Study Commission Presents Report to Governor Bentley
11/29/2011 7:11 PM -- State of Alabama – Alabama’s Health Insurance Exchange Study Commission has submitted a report and recommendations for the state exchange, including a name for the exchange, and a recommendation that the exchange use a “free-market facilitator model.”
Bentley sees some positives in federal health insurance act
09/17/2011 4:09 PM -- Montgomery Advertiser – Gov. Robert Bentley said Friday that while he remains opposed to federal health care reform, he supports some of its provisions and believes it may have spurred states to take action they might not have otherwise taken.
Alabama governor says insurance exchange should aim to make coverage affordable
09/16/2011 5:09 PM -- The Birmingham News – Gov. Robert Bentley says he hopes the state can make a 2014 deadline to establish a state health insurance exchange.
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