• Tweet
• Share
• Email
• Print

Governor Heineman made his decision loud and clear.

"The state of Nebraska will comply with the Affordable Care Act by being part of the federal exchange."

Under the act states must choose between a state-run exchange, a federal exchange or a combination of both.

"If we're gonna have a Nebraska insurance exchange we ought to be able to control it, operate and make all the decisions. They basically said no to that."

An exchange is almost like the Travelocity of health care. In the future individuals and small businesses can shop online for plans and policies.

Heineman opted out of a state-run market, saying it's just too expensive for Nebraska.

"Its $470 million more expensive. That alone was a very important decision for me. I think you all know where I stand when it comes to expending taxpayer funds and how are we gonna pay for that? I don't support higher taxes on Nebraskans for that."

"I was pleased that we finally have a decision."

Nebraska Senator Mike Gloor isn't surprised by Heineman's choice, but he says many of his colleagues are in favor of local control.

"So I think my preference would be to side to more of a state exchange, but on the other hand clearly his concern about it is it's gonna be extraordinarily costly."

But Omaha Senator Jeremy Nordquist calls it differently. He says it's a missed opportunity for Nebraska-based solutions.

He says Nebraska's Insurance Department doesn't think a state-exchange would cost nearly as much as the governor says.