Kentucky officials are finalizing budget estimates for the state health insurance exchange program mandated by Obamacare, but Republican lawmakers are still balking at the idea and the potential costs associated with it.
The exchange programs are intended to create an online marketplace so individuals and employers can compare cost and coverage among insurance programs, according to the
Louisville Courier-Journal, which reported Friday that state officials believe the exchange will eventually become self-sustaining when $60 million in federal grants to start it runs out.
Republicans are challenging that assertion, saying the exchanges will put additional strains on the state taxpayers and increase costs for businesses.
In addition, the GOP lawmakers are also questioning the governor's authority to establish the exchange in the first place. They have called on Democrats who control the state government to come up with an "exit plan" in case Mitt Romney wins the presidency and follows through on his vow to repeal Obamacare.
Sandy Fitzgerald ✉
Sandy Fitzgerald has more than three decades in journalism and serves as a general assignment writer for Newsmax covering news, media, and politics.
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