JUNEAU, Alaska — Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell says he will not enact the federal healthcare overhaul after a judge in Florida struck down the law as unconstitutional.
Parnell considers that ruling the law of the land, barring implementation in the state. The state will pursue options of its own instead, he said.
It's not completely clear what practical impact Parnell's unusual decision will have. Alaska has a state-run plan for residents previously denied coverage for pre-existing conditions. The law's main expansion is pending.
Alaska was one of 26 states party to the Florida lawsuit; however, in other cases, two federal judges upheld the law and another found a provision requiring citizens to buy health insurance is unconstitutional but didn't strike down the rest of the law.
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