The state Senate has adopted a bill to create a statewide health coverage exchange where people and businesses could comparison shop for insurance.
Republicans were divided on the question, and whether a vote for it was an endorsement of the federal health reforms.
Some Republicans argued they should take a principled stand against the federal law by refusing to enact any portion of it.
Others, such as Senator Bruce Caswell, argued the state should not risk being forced into a federal bureaucracy.
Without action, the state would be forced into a federal exchange system.
“I do not support putting this state in the position of having the federal government come in and basically take over regulation of health care,” said Caswell.
Caswell says Michigan can always shut down the exchange if the federal law is repealed or struck down.
Democrats, such as Senator Rebekah Warren, used the debate to defend the federal law.
“The solution that we have in front of us today guarantees that constituents in every one of our districts will have access to more affordable healthcare, so I urge my colleagues to please support this bipartisan compromise that’s in front of us now,” said Warren.
The measure now goes to the state House.
Republican Governor Rick Snyder says the statewide coverage exchange is a good idea with or without the federal mandate. He has asked the Legislature to send the bill to his desk before the end of the year.
