Corbett: Pa. Still In Dark About Health Exchange Regulations
By Tony Romeo
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - Governor Corbett continues to maintain that he does not have enough information to make a looming decision about Pennsylvania's compliance with the new federal health care law that's taking effect.
Corbett and other governors have until Friday of next week to say how they plan to deal with so-called health exchanges -- marketplaces where people will be able to shop for insurance policies. States can create their own exchanges, partner with the federal government, or just let the feds do it.
In an interview with capitol reporters last week, Corbett said he had not yet gotten information he needs to make a good decision.
"I'm still waiting. You know, what are the rules? Let us know. Answer our questions. We don't even need to have the regulations final, just answer our questions. And we haven't gotten the answers to the questions. So in those circumstances, what would you do?"
All that, Corbett says, despite attempts to get it.
"I have a fiduciary duty to the people of Pennsylvania with a decision that's going to have a lengthy impact. Now how do I do that without the information? I'm sitting, I'm awaiting. I'll give it a little bit longer, then I'll make a decision. But we need the answers."
The governor, meanwhile, also says he also needs more data about the long-term cost should the state opt into an expansion of Medicaid under the health care law.
