TOPEKA (AP) — Gov. Sam Brownback says Kansas will have a federally run health insurance exchange, after he declined to support Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger's application for a state-federal partnership.
Brownback had said months ago he would wait until after Tuesday's election before moving forward on health care. He announced his decision Thursday after meeting with Praeger, who sought the governor's signature on a letter of support for a state-federal exchange.
Brownback's decision illustrates the divide over the federal health care law between the conservative Republican governor and the moderate Republican commissioner.
States have until Nov. 16 to inform the federal government if they plan to create their own health insurance exchanges, partner with the federal government or have their exchanges run by federal agencies.
Tagged: health insurance, Sandy Praeger, Gov. Sam Brownback
Comments
Yeoman2 6 months, 2 weeks ago
"Brownback's decision illustrates the divide over the federal health care law between the conservative Republican governor and the moderate Republican commissioner"
No, his decision reflects what a dumb ass jerk we have elected to be governer. The election returned the Democratic Party candidate to office for 4 more years. Many other Republican candidates were defeated and the U.S. Senate is still in control of the president's party. I think the clear message to the republican terrorist faction of the GOP is clear, you are in the minority and you will be defeated/
But Sam Brownback cannot avoid the pre-kindergarten tantrums that he has displayed before when he and the Koch bothers have not gotten their way. They think that money talks, but Sam, your billionaire friends have still not taken over the lawful government of the U.S. and hopefully will not
Grow up and do your job.
LeRoyMercer 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Hey Yeoman2, I assume you believe that the Federal Government can't do a good job of running the exchange or you would not have condemned the Governor for his decision. Or could it be that you believe the States can do a better job of running the exchange. Or could it even be that you don't believe the exchange system is a good way of doing our health insurance purchases. If any of these are true, you would be subscribing to Republican principles. If you believe the opposite, God help us all.
cait48 6 months, 2 weeks ago
I personally happen to think this is a tantie on the part of the Governor and he's going to do what he does best; take it out on the people of Kansas that are most vulnerable. Real "Christian" there, Sam. Not.
Pork_Ribs 6 months, 2 weeks ago
"People might not get all they work for in this world, but they must certainly work for all they get." Frederick Douglass
Yeoman2 6 months, 2 weeks ago
I believe thast this useless political hack will do anything he can think of to oppose legal and lawful proceedures that were enacted by any political agenda that is not his own, no matter what the benefit or worthwhile cause that is intended.
And yes, I certainly believe that the Federal Governmen can do a better job on many issues than these tin-horn minor officials in the states. God help us all if the responsibility for common defense, national infraastructure (read highways) foreign policy, social security, medicare and a host of other federal responsibilities were left to miniscule local officials such as Browback or Perry.
headdoctor 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Yes this is a tantrum. He is bound and determined to make it as difficult for the Feds and Kansan's to get this going. This is at least the second time he has turned down money and screwed us over that would have helped Kansan's take care of their own business. Since Romney didn't get elected he is seeing even more money flying out of the state budget than he planned for with all his tax cuts. Just more short sighted actions from the Republican Tea Bagger alternate reality.
Katara 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Gov. Brownback is thinking he can avoid all accountability if he pushes the responsibility off on the Feds.
He missed the opportunity for Kansans to create their own system under this - one that is appropriate for the needs of Kansans.
For someone who is adamant that states know what's best for their people, he sure missed the boat on this one.
DougCounty 6 months, 2 weeks ago
You know, considering how he's depleted competence from so many state agencies so quickly, and judging from the computer illiterate system the Brownback cronies set up for the division of motor vehicles, complete with ensuing headaches, maybe it's just an admission that he's dismantled so much of our state's governmental infrastructure that we are no longer capable of setting up a workable, functional system ourselves. Look at the criteria that the ACA has set up and that the state has to meet: http://www.ncsl.org/issues-research/health/american-health-benefit-exchanges.aspx
Especially since Brownback sent back the 31 million supposed to be used to set up the exchange, I really don't think there's any chance that we could pull off setting up a functional system. The bonus is that he can blame the feds for the shortcomings of what's left of the state bureaucracy.
Paul R. Getto 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Muscular Sam flexes his muscles again. Maybe his union-busting muscular jesus can help.
QuiviraTrail 6 months, 2 weeks ago
The Feds will probably create a better system anyway. Now, he'll decide not to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act and leave thousands of Kansans without health insurance. "Love your neighbor" means nothing to that bogus Christian.
KansasConscience 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Stunned, but not surprised. God, but I hate living in The Guv's private petri dish. But then, isn't that what we all are, his private little experiment.
He's not just a Statehouse Bully, he's a State Bully.
Kontum1972 6 months, 2 weeks ago
So who is the Gov., with health insurance wise? Mb we might be able to get on that program?
Gov seems to forget...we do not work for him.....he works for us....we as tax-payers fund his position.
we pay you...u prick
rgh 6 months, 2 weeks ago
You are correct, however the majority of Kansas voted for this guy so he does have the mandate of working for "us." I'm with you though!
jkilgore 6 months, 2 weeks ago
There is Sam Brownback and there's Uncle Sam. Our governor overestimates himself and underestimates the latter.
cowboy 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Governor A$$hat , you are displaying a complete disdain for the United States of America and federal law. Just who the heck do you think you are ? Are you above the laws of our country ? Should all of us just start ignoring laws as we please ?
While many Americans suffer due to the "pre-existing" games the insurance companies play , , you play political games . You should resign your term immediately or be impeached for failing to support the laws of this country.
Pray on this jackwagon !
Run Sandy Run !
notwhatyouthink 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Or maybe he just thinks that the Feds should pay for the administration of the thing they created.
It really only makes sense. Why should the state have to pick up some other burden that they did not want.
cowboy 6 months, 2 weeks ago
the feds are paying for it
cowboy 6 months, 2 weeks ago
His censors are working overtime on his facebook page tonight. Might be a suggestion to his website on how to save money , get rid of the censors and allow free speech to occur.
merrill 6 months, 2 weeks ago
"While many Americans suffer due to the "pre-existing" games the insurance companies play , , you play political games . You should resign your term immediately or be impeached for failing to support the laws of this country."
ABSOLUTELY!!!
I call for a federal audit of the governor's spending!!!
cowboy 6 months, 2 weeks ago
If Sandy would run against this pariah she would get the dem vote , 35% if she could get another 20% from the republican base she could kick this sorry excuse out of office.
Run Sandy Run !
Ceee 6 months, 2 weeks ago
As a senior looking into signing up for Medicare, I have been impressed with the information and help provided by the State Insurnance Commisioner. We have an excellent resource in that agency. Why not use it?
roadrash 6 months, 2 weeks ago
I know more every day why the saying I heard from my grandfather is so true. "Politics and religion don't mix." I'm sure it comes from someone else but seems so true today. The Taliban and theocracy's in the middle east are not enough of an example to those here that would like to rule with "their" religion. Jesus chose not to rule on earth. Wonder how he likes being second guessed?
toe 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Good
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