Gov. Nathan Deal today told the Obama administration that Georgia will not set up its own health care exchange, citing the administration's "one-size fits all" approach and the high cost that the law places on states.
“I remain committed to common sense health care solutions that empower consumers to take responsibility for their own health, motivate the private sector and drive efficiencies for consumers, employers and governments alike,” Deal said in a press release. “I continue to hope that we might finally engage in a serious conversation about restoring meaningful flexibility to states around health care programs.”
Deal said the federal government needs to loosen regulations that restrict states’ options. He said he would support a "free market-based approach that could serve as a useful tool for Georgia’s small businesses, but federal guidelines forbid that."
Senate Democrats in Georgia already have criticized Deal's decision.
"It is unfortunate that the Governor has chosen to put politics over the needs of Georgians. He has ignored his own blue ribbon panel's recommendation to include state health care exchanges," said Sen. Vincent Fort, whip of the Senate Democratic Caucus.
Deal's characterization of the health care exchanges as a one-size-fits-all contradicts the reality that we are sacrificing any impact the state of Georgia may have in how our exchange is set up, Fort said in a news release sent by the Senate Democratic Caucus.
"Regardless of his decision not to set up the exchanges, we urge him to proceed with the expansion of Medicaid so thousands more Georgians can have access to health care, including children and families caring for aging parents," Fort said.
What do you think about the governor's decision? Tell us in the comments below!
Fact is - the one-size-fits-all healthcare is bad at all and it's a heck of lot less confusing than the 'current' Medicare system with too many choices and none being a good fit (know what I mean)! Many people have said how they miss the original Medicare because it was affordable, simple yet effective, efficient and a breeze to use.... The only thing that needed to be fixed was the cheating by crooked greedy people, but that never got done though it's all that needed to be changed... Take your so-called 'choice' and shove it! My prediction is that you repub governors that insist on forcing your far-right agenda upon the masses without their permission will be looking for other work in the elections of 2014... We couldn't get to vote all of you out, this time around but it's only a matter of time...
Obama lie #1 - If you like your insurance you can keep. Fact - The penalty companies have to pay for not insuring employees is LESS then it cost's to cover them. Just wait, no company will willingly choose to continue to provide healthcare. Obama Lie #2 - If you like your doctor you can keep them. Fact is there are already a large number of physicians who no longer take Medicaid & Medicare patients because the government continues to reduce payments.. There will be a doctor shortage. Many doctors have already stated they will no longer practice under Obamacare. Obama Lie #3 - Families will see their healthcare premiums go down by $2500. Not only has it not gone down it's skyrocketing. The bill is written to put the responsibility on the state's. The state's will be left holding the untenable bag of paying for it. Thank you Gov. Deal - Don't just say no. Say hell no.
KELLI ( all caps) Thanks for your typical nasty, bitter, divisive rhetoric. Just more spewing from the community organizer in chief. I know Saul Alinsky would be proud.