health insurance news

AISHealth–Regardless of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision regarding the Affordable Care Act, many states have the infrastructure and ability to continue creating a state-run health insurance exchange.

Washington Business Journal–Maryland’s legislature approved creation of a health insurance exchange on April 4.

The Washington Post–Maryland’s governor, Martin O’Malley, is unsure how the state will proceed with creating a state health insurance exchange if the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down parts of the Affordable Care Act. “I don’t know. We’ll deal with that, and we’ll figure out other ways to move forward,” O’Malley told reporters Wednesday. O’Malley is expected to sign into law a bill that would create an exchange.

The Baltimore Sun – Editors say the state is right to move forward with plans to establish a state health insurance exchange.

LegalNewsline.com – A total of 20 states have moved to sue the federal government in an attempt to stop implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, arguing that the individual mandate provision is unconstitutional. Another nince states have indicated they support the reform legislation.

Baltimore Sun – The recently passed national health reform legislation will save Maryland $829 over the next decade, while providing coverage to nearly 350,000, according a report released by state officials. The increased coverage will cut the number of Maryland uninsured in half.

TPMDC – Five leading Democrats – including Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin – have publicly announced that they will vote for a public option if it’s offered up during the budget reconciliation process, where legislation can pass with a majority vote.