Lawmakers Don't Back Funds For Health Exchange
LANSING (AP) - Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder's efforts to begin setting up a statewide health exchange as required by the federal health care law are hitting a snag.
The GOP governor urged lawmakers in September to quickly pass bills allowing the state to tap federal funds to set up the exchange. He says the federal government will step in with its own plan if Michigan doesn't have one in place by January 2013.
GOP House Speaker Jase Bolger wants to wait until the U.S. Supreme Court decides next summer if the federal health care law should stand before setting up an exchange.
Even without legislative approval, Michigan can tap $10 million in federal funds to start setting up the MI Health Marketplace. But it can't apply for other federal funds.
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