Rep. John Rusche
Idaho House Minority Leader John Rusche has demanded Gov. Butch Otter energize efforts to pass a state health insurance exchange, rather than let the federal government intervene with one of its own.
The Lewiston Democrat on Monday urged Otter to pass an executive order or call for a special legislative session, following the Supreme Court’s ruling upholding President Obama’s health care overhaul. The revamp requires online marketplaces for people to buy insurance, but Idaho legislators in 2012 refused $20 million in federal aid to set up an exchange, on optimism the Supreme Court would throw out the law.
Otter said last week he doesn’t believe a special session is necessary. His aides say he’s discussing options with advisers, including Attorney General Lawrence Wasden.
Big Idaho insurers like Blue Cross are echoing Rusche’s demands. (AP)
