Some States Seek Waivers for Broader Reform Changes
Several Democratic governors are seeking to implement measures that go beyond the requirements of the federal health reform law, but they face a complicated task of implementing the law and seeking permission to opt out of certain elements. For example, Oregon has approved its own health reform plan -- which would overhaul physician payments and allow public employees to enroll in Medicaid -- but needs the Obama administration to grant the state waivers to pursue such reforms. Meanwhile, Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D) last month announced plans to apply for a waiver from the overhaul's mandate to establish a state-based health insurance exchange to create a single-payer health insurance system in the state. The Obama administration maintains that it is open to ideas that diverge from the federal health reform law.
- "Some States Seek Flexibility To Push Health Care Overhaul Further" (Kliff, Washington Post, 10/16).