Tagged: health insurance exchange

Gov. Robert Bentley is defending his decision against creating a state-based health insurance exchange program and expanding Medicaid in Alabama.

Bentley once touted a state-based health insurance exchange, but now he says state control is impractical.

The governor's decision means the federal government can now set up a health insurance marketplace for the state under the new federal health care law.

Bentley says that law is cumbersome and unworkable.

Alabama's governor isn't changing his mind about not operating a health insurance exchange even though President Barack Obama's administration has given states an extra month to decide.

Friday was supposed to the deadline for states to decide if they would run an exchange under the Affordable Care Act or let the federal government do it. The Obama administration announced Thursday night it was extending the deadline to Dec. 14. The extension came at the request of some Republican governors.

Alabama's governor says the state won't create a health insurance exchange under the federal Affordable Care Act or use the law to expand Medicaid to cover more low-income Alabamians.

Gov. Robert Bentley made the announced Tuesday while speaking to the Birmingham Business Alliance. Friday is the deadline for states to notify President Barack Obama's administration whether they will create a state exchange or let the federal government implement one for them.