a:1:{s:15:"field_news_body";a:1:{i:0;a:2:{s:5:"value";s:2599:"<span style="font-size: larger;">A bill in the Michigan House&nbsp; (HB 4111(H1)) is close to being voted on. The Governor attempted to start up health care exchanges through the Affordable Health Care Act last year but the House Committee, that Paul Opsommer was on, voted it down in committee.<br />
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Governor Snyder is back again this legislative session for a second try with a group of new house members (including&nbsp; 93rd House District Representative Tom Leonard representing Clinton and the southern part of Gratiot County) attempting to push though the exchange/partnership again.<br />
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The bill would allow for a state healthcare exchange/partnership under Obamacare.&nbsp;Substitute House Bill 4111 was just passed out of the appropriations committee by a vote of 24-3.&nbsp; It will now go to the full House for a second and if no changes are made, a final third reading before a vote from the full House for final passage.<br />
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Establishing a state health insurance exchange/partnership as dictated by Obamacare requires complete submission to federal government regulations and the loss of state sovereignty over all health care issues.<br />
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The law stipulates that:<br />
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&ldquo;An Exchange may not establish rules that conflict with or prevent the application of regulations promulgated by the Secretary [of Health and Human Services (HHS)]&rdquo;<br />
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The federal government will dictate all of the components of the exchange and how the exchange will be run so you need to determine if a federal run health care program is in your BEST INTEREST!<br />
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For an article from Forbes on the differences between the various exchange options and what other states have done click on the following link:<br />
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<a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/aroy/2012/12/17/state-federal-partnership-health-insurance-exchanges-the-great-unknown/">http://www.forbes.com/sites/aroy/2012/12/17/state-federal-partnership-health-insurance-exchanges-the-great-unknown/</a><br />
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If you want your voice heard regarding your health care choices contact your state representative regarding where you stand on the implementation of the Obamacare healthcare exchange/partnership in Michigan.<br />
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In Clinton &amp; Southern Gratiot Counties call:<br />
Representative Leonard at:<br />
&nbsp;(517) 373-1778<br />
Toll Free: (877) 859-8086<br />
FAX: (517) 373-5780<br />
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or email him at TomLeonard@house.mi.gov<br />
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