N.D. Attorney General, Insurance Commissioner React To Court Ruling

Two Republican officeholders in North Dakota have serious concerns with the Supreme Court's decision to uphold most of the federal health care reform law.

 

 

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Two Republican officeholders in North Dakota have serious concerns with the Supreme Court's decision to uphold most of the federal health care reform law.

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem says he looks for the fight to return to Congress.

"I think even in the dissent you read some comments about all of the promises, the kick-backs, the log rolling that went forth in Congress in getting various senators to vote for the legislation," said Stenehjem. "Now the federal government is $14 trillion in debt and they're not going to be able to afford, it would appear to me to actually follow through with those promises."

Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm has worries about the cost of health insurance premiums.

"When you hear from insurance companies estimates of 75 to 100 percent increase in premiums in the individual market, that would put incredible pressure on these exchanges and on consumers in general to just be able to afford health insurance coverage," said Hamm.

Hamm said the legislature will have to work fast if it wants a state-run health insurance exchange. Lawmakers rejected the idea last fall, deciding to wait for the Supreme Court ruling.

(KFGO file photos)

 

Paul Jurgens

   

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