Wash., Pa. develop strategies, take actions on health exchanges

Apr 25 2013

Washington state lawmakers are eyeing a way to push certain state employees away from their current health insurance coverage and instead send them into the health insurance exchange to obtain a health plan. In Pennsylvania, the House approved legislation to limit coverage for most abortions by plans available on the exchange.

The Associated Press/Washington Post: Governments May Push Workers Out Of Employer Health Care And Into Health Exchange
In a move that would capitalize on provisions under President Barack Obama's health care law but could cost the federal government millions of dollars, Washington state lawmakers have found a creative way to pass a large chunk of their health care expenses along to Washington, D.C. -; and analysts say others are likely to follow suit. The plan threatens to affect the federal budget and the pocketbooks of some part-time workers, as it would push a group of employees out of their current health care plans and into an exchange developed under the Affordable Care Act (4/24).

The Associated Press: Pa. House Passes Abortion Limits Under Health Law
A bill to prevent coverage for most abortions under the insurance marketplace being set up as part of the federal health care overhaul is on its way to the Pennsylvania Senate after approval Tuesday by the House. The House voted 144-53 in favor of the proposal that would provide exceptions only for rape, incest or when the mother's life is in danger (Scolforo, 4/23).