OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Gov. Chris Gregoire has approved several proposals that will prepare the state for President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul.
The bills signed Wednesday include a plan to create a health insurance exchange, making Washington the fourth in the nation to prepare such a system. Obama’s health care law requires states to have exchanges operating by 2014. The federal government will create one for states who do not do so.
Gregoire’s approval comes as Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna challenges the constitutionality of the federal law.
Gregoire disagrees with McKenna’s legal challenge and says the nation can’t afford its current health care system. The exchanges will allow consumers and small employers to shop for insurance coverage.
