Henson says Deal must prepare Ga's health care exchange
Atlanta, Ga. - November 14, 2012 - Georgia Senate Democratic Leader Steve Henson called on Gov. Nathan Deal to stop playing politics with people's health care and move forward with the creation of a state health care exchange.
"Governor Deal has been playing a game of political chicken with health care in Georgia. He has delayed the creation of our state's health care exchange under the Affordable Care Act believing a Romney win would repeal our nation's new health care laws. Instead of prioritizing Georgians' health, bringing our hard-earned tax dollars back to the state, and retaining state control over our insurance programs and industry, Deal continues to demonstrate he cares more about politics than people. Our citizens are not chess pieces in a giant political board game," Henson said.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) created two types of exchanges: the American Health Benefits Exchange (AHBE) for individuals, and the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP). States can: (1) choose to operate the two types of exchanges together or separately; (2) create multiple exchanges of each type within a state as long as they serve separate geographic areas; (3) join with other states to create regional exchanges; or (4) choose to not create an exchange.
If a state opts not to create an exchange, the federal government will create it in order to meet the law's requirement that every state have an operational exchange by January 1, 2014.
The deadline for submission of state-based exchange blueprints was Nov. 16 but has been extended to Dec. 14 by the Department of Health and Human Services. If a state does not submit a blueprint for its state exchange by the deadline, the federal government will operate the exchange. Georgia is one of only nine states reported to have "no significant activity" in creating an exchange.
Henson said Deal's "heels dug in" approach to the national health care act puts Georgians in the worst possible position.
"Through the years, Deal and the GOP beat a constant rhythm of local control. Now, they seem willing to cede control of our state programs to the federal government. This decision is not only bad for individual health care, it may likely turn our state's entire insurance industry regulation over to the federal government," Henson said. "Instead of returning federal tax dollars to Georgia, we are essentially sending our money to New York and California."
Henson said the time for political maneuvering is over.
"Thousands of Georgians are without health insurance. The costs associated with this are widespread and impact all of us. Most insured individuals do not realize that we each pay around $1,300 every year to defray the costs of those without insurance. The cost to businesses is great and it takes a negative toll on our state economy. If we are truly concerned about the welfare of Georgians and stimulating our state economy, the time for Governor Deal to act is now," said Henson.
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Where is the 'subsidy'? A tax deduction and a tax credit are not subsidies, they are reward for best business practices. Odd that those business people not following the best practices are the ones howling.
A common, but inaccurate, interpretation. Full healthcare coverage is a much more desirable condition for the American workforce. In the years since the disastrous passage of McCarren-Ferguson in 1945 (giving states authority over insurance regulation) the Federal Government has developed numerous strategies to encourage businesses to behave in the most efficient manner. Unfortunately, many businesses have ignored the value of a healthy workforce and passed the costs of healthcare services (which are only deductible to businesses) on to other layers of government. Only when the costs are foisted onto State, County and City general funds is there a 'taking' of financial resources from the larger base of taxpayers. I look forward to a day when all Citizens and businesses accept the fact that Taxation occurs to provide the system of Civilization upon which we all depend.
Chris, I didn't know you were unemployed. You must not whine about it as much as another person on here.
Dude, Pam J, Eddie, B???
If you make ZERO money, YOU ARE A LOSER! PERIOD!
Roger That 7:18 pm on Friday, November 16, 2012 The only thing unsustainable in the USA is Twinkies. Hey, Hostess, you gonna get another bail out like the last time? Reply Rob 7:53 pm on Friday, November 16, 2012 Quote "The only thing unsustainable in the USA is Twinkies" End Quote And fictitious "Hawk Emergencies"! Roger That 1:48 pm on Saturday, November 17, 2012 There was just no way to save Hostess. They will get their bankruptcy and be churning out indigestible garbage in a month. http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=c9d_1353107122
Some people.... PERSON here only wishes to talk about work. The actual process of working and EFFORT are far too much like work for someone who chooses not to actually work.
I spoke with a restaurant manager in a certain person's locale last week and the guy offered me a job OVER THE PHONE!! No application, No interview, No fancy resume. I passed the information along but as expected, was met with the usual excuses and accusations. I don't even try to help anymore. Hand a person what they say they want on a silver platter and they won't take it because they wanted the free platter without the stuff in it.
"I really don't care if I find a job any more." This may be the first truth I've heard from you.