Wisconsin at the forefront of democrat healthcare reform requirements

Wisconsin seems to be ahead of the curve when it comes to instituting health insurance exchanges. The state has recently completed the infrastructure necessary for supporting the system in spite of stiff opposition from Governor Scott Walker. Walker has denounced the exchanges as an overstepping of the federal governments boundaries, a notion shared amongst several Republicans that have opposed the health care reform law.  According to the law, states are tasked with setting up a self-sustaining exchange program by 2014. If they fail to do so, the federal government will…

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Health insurance exchange debate over agents role

As states begin to take steps to establish their health insurance exchanges, private insurance agents in West Virginia are not quite enthusiastic of the efforts. State legislators are beginning t debate a pending bill that would create a state-run health insurance exchange. The measure could be passed this week, as Republicans who oppose the bill find themselves in the minority. Independent agent lobbyist, Gary Marion, argues that the bill would hamper agent’s ability to compete in the market. Health insurance exchanges act as a means for individuals and small groups…

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West Virginia opts for the “hands off” approach in new health exchange program

The West Virginian Senate has determined that the state will not be running its own insurance exchange program, opting instead to leave the reins in the hands of the federal government. All states are required to establish insurance exchanges by 2014 according to the Affordable Care Act, but they do have the option to choose whether or not to set it up themselves. The legislation that would pave the way for the exchange was shot down by a close voice vote. State Insurance Commissioner, Jane Cline, along with her office,…

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Health Insurance Exchanges: Important decisions lie ahead

Representatives from nearly every state are deeply torn over the proposed health care reform. With strife growing in Congress, it seems that the only provision of the new law that can be agreed upon is the provision for insurance exchanges. Almost all states are making moves to implement exchanges, the only ones lagging behind doing so simply are because of lack of appropriate funds. Making the changes necessary to facilitate an exchange program are somewhat demanding. Many states have seen downsizing in their staffing and the workload often piles up on…

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