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Sebelius: Georgia Health Reform Likely To Be “Rockier Road” Due To Continued Opposition

August 12th, 2013

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius says the rollout of President Obama’s health reform law is on schedule in Georgia, despite continued opposition from the state’s Republican leadership.

“At this point, we’re looking forward to making sure consumers know what their options are,” said Sebelius in an interview Monday with WABE. “This is no longer a political debate. It’s the law of the land.”

In terms of its implementation, she says resistance from Georgia leaders, including Gov. Nathan Deal, isn’t helping matters.

“There’s no question it will be a probably rockier road in states where some of the leaders certainly are intent on making sure this is as difficult as possible for people to get correct information or for people to access coverage and benefits,” said Sebelius.

Last month, Georgia Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens sent a letter to Sebelius calling for an emergency delay in the law’s rollout. He warned of rate hikes “as high as 198 percent.” Though he later acknowledged the 198 percent figure was an extreme example, Hudgens insists Georgians should prepare for significantly higher rates.

Sebelius, however, says Hudgens’ numbers are off.

“That estimate is just erroneous. We’re not quite sure where the math came from but I don’t think that’s an accurate snapshot of what’s likely to happen,” said Sebelius.

She says rates in state exchanges are down 18 percent nationwide.

“Competition looks very good in the Georgia market and in most of the states where the federal marketplace will operate. We will have a wide range of plans for Georgians to choose from.”

The exchange will be a website that helps consumers shop for health coverage and learn if they’re eligible for new tax credits. It’ll mostly serve people who aren’t offered insurance through their work. Georgia, along with at least 19 other states, opted out of creating their own exchange and as a result the federal government is doing it for them. Health exchanges in all 50 states, whether state-run or federally-run, will go online October 1. The plans purchased through the exchanges will be effective as early as January 1.

Sebelius says despite resistance from Georgia’s leaders, consumers will be getting resources to better understand their options.

“Whether somebody wants information online, a live human being on the phone, or a sit-down in person, we’re going to be making sure that that happens.”

She says trained helpers, or navigators, will be readily available across the state as Georgia’s health exchange comes online in October.