health insurance news

The Associated Press–Washington’s governor, Christine Gregoire, signed into law a bill setting in motion the creation of a state health insurance exchange. “All citizens in this nation deserve health care, not just those who can afford it,” said Gregoire.

The Washington Post – Two Republican members of the House are expected to introduce amendments today that would prohibit federal funds from being spent on the Affordable Care Act.

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.

The Seattle Times – Washington has already put in place many of the elements of the new federal health-care law, putting it closer than most states to making the federal law work for its residents.

BusinessWeek – President Barack Obama faces a fight over the health-care overhaul from states that say they’ll sue because the legislation’s expansion of Medicaid imposes a fiscal strain their cash-strapped budgets can’t afford.

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.

Wall Street Journal – The White House will include an additional $25 billion in Medicaid funding for states in the federal budget to be released Monday, spending that Democrats originally hoped to include in their health overhaul.