The Washington Times (8/13, Howell) reports, “The District and Maryland are moving aggressively to implement virtual markets of insurance plans, becoming national leaders in carrying out President Obama’s vision for health care reform.” In the district, the Health Reform Implementation Committee “has met twice, to organize itself and to elect Dr. Mohammad Akhter as its chairman,” and “needs to submit a proposal on its exchange to the federal government by Wednesday to obtain an estimated $70 million to $80 million in federal funding this October.” The exchange may be designed as “an open system that welcomes all providers, or it can be selective about which providers fit the city’s needs.” Maryland “has already received $34.4 million in federal grants and is expecting to receive additional federal funds,” to implement an exchange on the basis of a state law enacted last year with the strong support of the governor.
Related Links:
— “Health law readiness follows state, party lines, “Tom Howell Jr., The Washington Times, August 12, 2012.