Montana, Colorado and North Dakota health insurance are all moving forward with health care exchanges but this comes after a long struggle according to the article by CivSourceOnline.com.  In Montana, Republicans oppose the health exchanges.  In North Dakota, paperwork is on its way to the Governor for them to sign that will put in the place the framework for the health exchange which will be in line with the health care bill’s requirements.  And in Colorado, the health care exchanges still face opposition from the Republicans.

Health exchanges are being implemented throughout the nation due to the new health care bill which requires states to submit a plan for establishing a health care exchange by January of 2013 and have the measure up and running by 2014.  The federal government has given out funds to various states to assist with this process.  Montana has received $1 million from the federal government but the Republicans are trying to stop the process.

North Dakota is eligible for $27 million in grants from the federal government but only once a plan has been approved.  They still have to develop the plan that is meeting some roadblocks.  In Colorado, they are working to put together a nine person board to develop the health exchanges, but they are working against Republicans at this point.  Two amendments to the health care bill required Governor John Hickenlooper to receive a federal waiver before health exchanges would be implemented, and not allow the state to accept federal funds for the exchange failed through party lines.  More amendments may come up as the bill moves through the house.

States are at battle over these health care exchanges, but it could end up being a waste of time.  It’s going to take time for plans to be organized and worked out, let alone put in place.  It’s possible many states do not meet the 2013 and 2014 deadlines.