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Illinois Still Doesn't Have a Healthcare Exchange

Illinois still doesn’t have a healthcare exchange. Lawmakers were at an impasse over how to create the exchange when they adjourned this week. Jim Duffett, with the Campaign for Better Health Care, says efforts create an exchange have been blocked for over a year because it would allow consumers to negotiate with insurers.

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The Affordable Care Act requires the state to create the exchange. Illinois is eligible for up to 92-million dollars in federal grants to go towards developing the exchange but they’ll lose the money if it takes too long. The legislation is expected to be taken up when lawmakers return early next year.

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Representative Greg Harris says the hold-up over whether to allow consumers to negotiate prices directly with insurance companies.

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Jim Duffett, with the campaign for Better Health Care, says lobbying efforts have paid off so far.

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