http://mycn2.com/politics/this-time-lawmakers-want-answers-about-cost-and-long-term-plans-about-ky-health-exchange

Publication Date: September 19, 2012

Author: Ryan Alessi

This time, lawmakers want answers about cost and long-term plans of Ky. health exchange

09/19/2012 08:24 AM

Kentucky health cabinet officials get a second chance Wednesday to outline details of the health exchange the state is setting up as a result of the federal Affordable Care Act, and this time lawmakers want answers.

Democratic State Sen. Dennis Parrett of Elizabethtown was one of several lawmakers of both parties who called for postponing a vote last month on giving a legislative stamp of approval to the health exchange after health cabinet leaders couldn’t answer questions about its long-term cost to the state.

Health and Family Services Cabinet officials who are overseeing the exchange will appear before the interim legislative Health and Welfare Committee Wednesday at 1 p.m. in Louisville.

The exchange will match uninsured Kentuckians with private insurance coverage. The system is for people who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but don’t get health coverage through their jobs.

Parrett said in this five minute interview segment that he expects administration officials to outline the costs in the short and long term, as well as the competitive rates of insurance that will be offered. (4:00 into the interview)

About Ryan Alessi

Ryan Alessi joined cn|2 in May 2010 as senior managing editor and host of Pure Politics. He has covered politics for more than 10 years, including 7 years as a reporter for the Lexington Herald-Leader. Follow Ryan on Twitter @cn2Alessi. Ryan can be reached at 502-792-1135 or ryan.alessi@twcable.com.

Comments

  • Ed Marksberry wrote on September 19, 2012 11:45 AM :

    State legislators were caught flat footed with their wishful thinking that the Supreme Court would find the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional. Now we’re posed with more debate and questions that should have come months ago and the clock is ticking to meet the deadline. My hope is that the Health Exchange board appointed by our Governor comes up with innovated ideas that will get us caught up with the rest of the country on how to best set up this historic opportunity to provide all with affordable and accessible health care coverage. But from what I have seen, the problem lies with those who already have access to coverage, whether through public service or subsidized through their employers, they have no real urgency to work past their disdain for the Affordable Care Act because they haven’t experienced the pain and disenfranchising of trying to obtain affordable health care coverage. I bet if the legislators and board members didn’t have affordable and accessible health care coverage, this exchange would have already been in place.

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