Pence Says Indiana Should Not Establish State-Based Health Insurance Exchange

Gov.-elect Mike Pence today reiterated his recommendation that Indiana should not develop a state-based health insurance exchange as part of the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. In a letter to Gov. Mitch Daniels, Pence noted that he has reviewed his position in light of the recent election and his recommendation remains the same. "I do not believe the State of Indiana should establish a state-based health insurance exchange because doing so will cost taxpayers millions of dollars and it is not clear that Hoosiers would benefit from incurring the cost of implementing this new federal healthcare bureaucracy," Pence said in his letter. He added, "Without knowing more details on the cost and nature of state-based exchanges, it is possible that our state could be placed in the untenable position of serving as the administrator of a new federal healthcare bureaucracy over which we have little control." Pence pointed to the uncertainty regarding cost and regulation of state-based exchanges, as well as the certainty of higher taxes and higher premiums for Hoosiers in his recommendation. Pence also noted he remains opposed to a partnership exchange with the federal government and, "absent new information," will make that known to the proper federal authorities by the deadline of February 16, 2013. "Hoosiers may be assured that we will continue to evaluate the best course of action for the people of our state and will make every effort to continue to develop locally-based, innovative solutions to make insurance more affordable and increase access to care for all Hoosiers," said Pence. States must tell the federal government whether or not they intend to establish a state-based exchange by Friday. Gov.-elect Pence's letter can be read in full here <https://mail.nexstar.tv/owa/redir.aspx?C=e2f584610532479e89aeb537a4faa081&URL=http%3a%2f%2fr20.rs6.net%2ftn.jsp%3fe%3d001TXF846Q9JjQqQlTj9RoxWcBhczdnQuM5-5vImXt7YlAMk5adlpbWhvXQNqQpaXo1gONvhWWa5tHCQoUfyF5VZFpkvEsqEoUpGvcJb1e9sTUbgTJGrQv60YuPF-1slAQn>.