Federal Health Law and the Supreme Court

On June 28, 2012, the Supreme Court issued an opinion upholding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, with limitations on penalties for states that choose not to expand their Medicaid programs. The decision did not affect the health benefit exchanges.

Updated June 2012

Health Insurance Exchanges are, for most states, new entities that will function as a marketplace for buyers of health insurance, giving them choices for health coverage. They will offer a variety of certified health plans and provide information and educational services to help consumers understand their options. The 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA) gives states the option to establish one or more state or regional exchanges, partner with the federal government to run the exchange, or to merge with other state exchanges. If a state chooses not to create an exchange, the federal government will set up the exchange(s) in the state.

As of June 5, 2012, 10 states and the District of Columbia enacted legislation to establish state-based health insurance exchanges, three states have established an exchange by executive order. Governors in New Jersey (2012) and New Mexico (2011) vetoed establishment bills passed by the legislature. Massachusetts and Utah passed laws prior to the enactment of the Affordable Care Act in March 2010.

Great website to see where your state's stance is on the Healthcare Reform Ruling:

http://www.ncsl.org/issues-research/health/state-actions-to-implement-the-health-benefit-exch.aspx