Colo. Gov. signs exchange bill

The new law, which had some Republican support, sets up a Web-based market for individuals and small businesses to purchase insurance.

National Journal: Colorado Moves Forward On Insurance Exchanges
Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper signed a bill on Wednesday to set up a marketplace for individuals and small businesses to buy health insurance, making it the eighth state to voluntarily set up the exchanges since President Obama signed the 2010 health care law. The new law would establish an Internet-based market where consumers could negotiate coverage plans and premiums with insurance providers. The exchange would be governed by a board of nine members, with up to four members representing the insurance industry. The governor began his search for board members almost a month before he signed the bill (Fung, 6/2).

The Associated Press/Denver Post: Colorado Latest State Setting Up Health Exchange
Hickenlooper and other Democrats at the signing talked up the fact that Colorado alone has put a health exchange into law through a divided Legislature, with Democrats and Republicans coming together to support the idea. ... But those Republicans who helped put the exchange measure before the governor weren't at the ceremony Wednesday lauding the idea. The bill's House sponsor, House Republican Leader Amy Stephens, was away caring for a sick relative; no one from the GOP appeared in her place. All Senate Republicans voted against the idea (Wyatt, 6/1).

CQ HealthBeat: Insurers Like Colorado's Exchange Law
Legislation signed Wednesday by Democratic Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper to create a health insurance exchange in the state is getting favorable reviews from the insurance industry. Robert Zirkelbach, spokesman for America's Health Insurance Plans, said the exchange will be good for consumers (Reichard, 6/2).