Debate Over An Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Heads Into Fifth Hour

The Idaho Senate is heading into its fifth hour of debate on a bill written by the governor’s office to create a state-based health insurance exchange. Afternoon committee meetings have been canceled.

Debate stopped and started after a motion to send the proposal back to committee to be amended, and a motion to begin amending the bill on the Senate floor. Both failed.

The arguments for and against a state-based exchange are familiar. The senators in favor of a state-based exchange say Idaho will be better off if the online insurance marketplace is run locally, rather than by the federal government. Those against a state-based exchange are largely against the federal Affordable Care Act, altogether, and don’t want to engage with the law in any way.

As debate continues, you can follow along with Idaho Public Television’s live webstream. We’ll have a full report once the vote is tallied.