In a letter written Friday to state governors, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius gave states an additional four weeks to file plans to create state-based health care exchanges as required under the Affordable Care Act.
In Michigan, legislative leaders and Governor Snyder have yet to reach an agreement to create a state-based health care exchange. The online health care exchange would allow consumers to purchase health insurance like other online purchases.
If Michigan does not create a state-based exchange, Michigan insurance consumers can use a national health care exchange, possibly limiting options for consumers.
Health care exchanges will play an important role in determining how Michigan’s current uninsured residents will purchase health coverage in 2014. These coverage options could depend on decision made by federal officials and the US congress, rather than Michigan policy makers.