Exchange Bill Soon?

As the end of New York’s legislative session nears, rumors about a health insurance exchange bill are flying. Some insiders heard yesterday that the governor’s bill would be introduced perhaps as early as today, but definitely prior to the Memorial Day break. The governor’s office did not return calls for comment. A spokesman for the state Health Department said that the state “has been working with all stakeholders to put together a proposal that works for New York and ensures the state qualifies for the federal grant money.” There is a general consensus that the Senate and Assembly are finally discussing a bill, and a Senate bill is close at hand. New York is one of only 13 states that have neither passed a bill nor have one pending. It is one of only four states with a Democratic governor that don’t yet have a bill. A map outlining bill status by state is at www.cbpp.org.