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Idaho to Launch State-Based Exchange This Round of Obamacare

Idaho's state insurance exchange program will launch its own Internet sign-up system in time for the open health insurance enrollment period that starts Nov. 15, officials say.

Idaho's state insurance exchange program will launch its own Internet sign-up system in time for the open health insurance enrollment period that starts Nov. 15, officials say.

Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board Chairman Stephen Weeg said the launch will mean Your Health Idaho won't be hindered by the federal government when it comes to making needed changes or corrections.

"Launching our own technology platform brings all elements of the exchange into Idaho and puts Idahoans in control of our own fate," Weeg told the Idaho State Journal (http://bit.ly/1w1ATeE ).

Having control of the insurance exchange has been a major argument of backers of Idaho's insurance exchange. In 2013, after 15-plus hours of debate, Idaho lawmakers passed the state-based Internet marketplace for insurance that Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter championed as better than the federal government's version. Otter opposed the Affordable Care Act but once it became law argued Idaho should take control of its own insurance exchange rather than rely on the federal government.

Caroline Cournoyer is GOVERNING's senior web editor.
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