House Democrat Ron Kind is applauding a recent decision by the Obama administration which gives more flexibility to states in setting up health care exchanges. The move by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will allow state legislatures to decide the minimum benefits packages provided in these insurance exchanges.
“This won’t be top down Washington knows best,” said Kind.
Although the Affordable Care Act requires minimum benefits in 10 coverage areas – including maternity care, prescription drugs and mental health care – the decision gives states more latitude when implementing the insurance pools.
The Western Wisconsin Congressman says in setting up health exchanges it will require help from everyone including businesses, providers, insurance companies and consumers.
The health care exchanges are to be created in each state by 2014.
Some consumer groups would prefer a uniform plan for exchanges through the U.S. They are concerned states can fulfill the mandate yet still offer substandard care.