By the NumbersFederal grant money awarded to build Affordable Insurance ExchangesTennessee: $9.1 millionGeorgia: $1 millionAlabama: $9.6 million
With the federal health care reform law awaiting a Supreme Court decision due by the end of June, Tennessee officials continue to hedge their bets as they move to implement a key part of the law.
On Wednesday, the state accepted an additional $4.3 million in federal funds to establish a state-based health insurance exchange, bringing the total the state has received to more than $9 million. However, lawmakers adjourned their session earlier this month without passing legislation to implement an exchange where consumers can shop for health insurance.
“No one wants to invest a lot of money in a concept when we’re not sure, that come July 1, after the Supreme Court has made its decision, whether we have to deal with it or not,” Sen. Bo Watson said Wednesday. “My understanding is that we are fine and there is no need to be too urgent.”
The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the grant Wednesday as part of $181 million awarded to six states. So far, states have been awarded more than $1 billion over the last two years to create the exchanges.