In the case of Obamacare, Republicans appear to be split. Though the Washington GOP sits in staunch dissent, Republican governors have embraced the Affordable Care Act. Under Governor Tom Corbett, Pennsylvania has become the 22nd state to allow the federal government authority in the state’s health care laws. Starting in 2014, Americans in those states will be able to use online health insurance exchanges to obtain health coverage through Obama care.
Healthcare reform is too important to be achieved through haphazard planning,” Corbet wrote in his statement declaring that he would not pursue a state-based health insurance exchange. “Pennsylvania taxpayers and businesses deserve more. They deserve informed decision making and a strong plan that responsibly uses taxpayer dollars.”
Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval (R) became the first Republican governor to concede to the expansion of Medicaid in his state according to the Associate Press. Despite the GOP opposition to the Affordable Care Act, Sandoval admitted that the law would provide care to tens of thousands who would be left without insurance otherwise. The Associated Press reported that approximately 22 percent of Nevada residents are uninsured.
Idaho Governor Butch Otter (R) announced that the state would create its own exchange in order to satisfy Obamacare, but that he was not endorsing the Affordable Care Act, but instead reflected his interest in providing “more accessible and affordable health care” for our Idaho citizens.
Of the states that have opted for a federally controlled exchange, the majority of them have Republican governors. Eighteen states and the District of Columbia have opted to set up their own exchanges in accordance with the law, and six more will work alongside the federal system.
The United Nations General Assembly backed a draft in support of universal health coverage, reflecting the international demand for adequate health care for all nations, describing the initiative as “a means of promoting sustained, inclusive and equitable growth, social cohesion and well-being of the population.”
