Washington says phase in health-care reform, or else

[Freddie Stubbs]

Source: Orlando Sentinel

WASHINGTON — If Florida leaders refuse to carry out the new national health-care law, Uncle Sam is prepared to take charge on behalf of the state’s consumers.

One year after President Barack Obama signed the health-care overhaul into law, federal officials are urging Florida and other reluctant states to shape it to meet their needs and to take advantage of millions of dollars of federal planning grants. Failure to participate, officials warned this week, means a loss of state control.

Florida and other states, for example, must show by 2013 they are set up to provide a health-insurance exchange, an online service for consumers to compare coverage plans and shop for affordable rates. If states are unwilling or unprepared, the law requires U.S. officials to step in and make a federal-run exchange available for residents at the start of 2014.

But Florida Gov. Rick Scott — backed by fellow Republicans in the Legislature who strongly oppose “ObamaCare” — has refused $2 million in federal planning money and ordered state agencies not to implement the law. In addition, Florida has challenged the law in federal court, in a lawsuit filed before Scott was elected in November.

Read more: http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_politics/2011/03/washington-says-phase-in-health-care-reform-or-else.htmlO

[lz1122]

1. LOL, wow

I can not wait to leave this State. I'm just waiting to see the news flooded with anti-Federal Government comments from the local politicians down here. The economy is horrible down here as well as the housing market which isn't helping renters as mine was announced it is going up $200 at the end of the lease term. I don't know about the rest of the State but the jobs in Miami pay a lot less in my field then elsewhere in the country.

[blunderbuss]

9. well don't come to ohio, kasick's not going to treat you any better

[lz1122]

10. Nope considering the Pacific Northwest

Either Oregon or Washington. I wouldn't mind visiting Cleveland sometime though. Oregon seems like Maine without the harsh winters, and of course the teabaggin' Governor that surprisingly Maine just elected. Planning a trip this summer to that area to see if I like it.

[bluestateguy]

2. The Voting Rights Act works the same way

Basically, you (state & local officials) can comply with the law, or federal people will descend upon your state, shove the state & local officials aside ("no, you go over there and sit down and shut up.") and carry out the law for you.

We can do this one of two ways.

[lz1122]

3. That wouldn't be bad

Shoving a lot of the state and local officials here to the side and having them shut up sounds good. =)

[old mark]

6. Can we do that NOW?...nt

[Zorra]

4. Was the link pulled? I can't access the article. nt

[Freddie Stubbs]

8. New link to article:

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_politics/2011/03/washington-says-phase-in-health-care-reform-or-else.html

[skyounkin]

5. Or else what?

You'll compromise away more to the rethugs?!

Ohhhhhh- I bet they are scared.

[young but wise]

11. I can tell you didn't read the article.

[wilt the stilt]

7. so sayeth the crook who stole billions from medicare

the man belongs in jail.