House Committee Bill Would Restrict Funding for State-Based Exchanges

The ability of the Obama administration to provide unlimited funds to states to establish health exchanges would be ended under legislation reported out by a House committee late Tuesday. The House Energy & Commerce Committee legislation, H.R. 1213, would strike the unlimited direct appropriation of funds provided under the healthcare reform law for creation of state-based exchanges. The bill would also order that unspent money in the hands of the Department of Health and Human Services to provide funds to the states be returned to the Treasury. The bill is among five bills that would rescind authority to fund the law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., chairman of the panel, says the committee passed the bills to “limit the Department of Health and Human Services’ unprecedented power, and restore Congress’ fiduciary duty as representatives of the people.” To view the full article click here.