Pennsylvania Files Application For Health Care Law Funding

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett is of the opinion that Obama's health reform law is unconstitutional. But this is not stopping the state from asking the federal government for money for implementation of the same. State Insurance Commissioner Michael F. Consedine announced that the Insurance Department has filed a $33 million application to complete the planning and begin development of a health insurance exchange.

Corbett joined a multistate lawsuit which challenged the constitutionality of a provision in the law which requires people to purchase insurance or face a penalty if they did not. The suit is now pending before the Supreme Court.

People who are looking for new health insurance can now compare the rates and coverage from private insurers through this exchange. The Exchanges will select qualified health plans and help consumers choose a health plan and enroll in it. It will also help determine if the consumer qualifies for a subsidized premium.

The department estimates that 2 - 2.2 million Pennsylvanians could get coverage through the exchange. The insurance department states that all Pennsylvanians, who are potential health insurance consumers, will benefit from the establishment of the exchange. People who have health insurance through their employer would continue to receive that coverage and wouldn't have to do anything further.

Pennsylvania has already spent $1 million grant given by the federal government to determine if it would move forward with the process of building the exchange.

Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Mr. Consedine announced that the Insurance Department has filed a $33 million application to complete the planning and development of a health insurance exchange.

Source: Medindia