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POLICY INSIGHT
BEYOND THE NUMBERS

While Some States Wait, Others Move Ahead on Implementing Health Reform

I noted recently that some states are putting off the decision on whether or not to create a state-run health insurance exchange — part of each state’s option under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) — and so may end up with a federally run exchange as a result.  But, that’s not the whole story.  A number of other states are actually forging ahead and are well positioned to have their state exchanges operating successfully by the January 1, 2014 target launch date.

Twelve states and the District of Columbia (see first map) have enacted legislation or issued an executive order authorizing the establishment of their exchange, which will be new competitive marketplaces that offer individuals and small businesses the chance to shop from an array of private coverage options.  Most of these states have since made considerable progress towards designing and building these novel health insurance marketplaces.

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Moreover, 33 states and the District of Columbia (see second map) have received millions in federal establishment grant funding to help them design and implement their exchanges.

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So while the story varies from state to state, and can even be quite concerning for a handful, there is still momentum in many others towards the goal of bringing quality and affordable health care to all Americans.