Idaho Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter (R) announced yesterday his recommendation that the state run its own health insurance exchange under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, rather than leaving the exchange's operation to the federal government.
Gov. Otter said in a statement that although the final decision rests upon the Idaho legislature, maintaining a state-run exchange is the best option to preserve state autonomy in complying with federal legislation he publicly does not support.
"This is not a battle of my choosing, but no one has fought harder against the mandates and overreaching federal authority of the Affordable Care Act," the governor said in the statement. "This decision does not signal support for the law or how it is being implemented. However, it does reflect my continued determination for Idaho to be actively engaged in making the best possible choices — to the degree we are allowed — in the interest of more accessible and affordable healthcare for our citizens."
Gov. Otter said in a statement that although the final decision rests upon the Idaho legislature, maintaining a state-run exchange is the best option to preserve state autonomy in complying with federal legislation he publicly does not support.
"This is not a battle of my choosing, but no one has fought harder against the mandates and overreaching federal authority of the Affordable Care Act," the governor said in the statement. "This decision does not signal support for the law or how it is being implemented. However, it does reflect my continued determination for Idaho to be actively engaged in making the best possible choices — to the degree we are allowed — in the interest of more accessible and affordable healthcare for our citizens."
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