Health care exchange is important

Our legislators need our feedback in order to support Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter and vote in favor of creating a state-based health insurance exchange. There are many reasons for Idaho to design a state-based exchange rather than allowing the federal exchange to be established in Idaho.

Health insurance exchanges are online marketplaces intended to make health insurance options clearer and more competitive for individuals and small businesses. If you have private employer provided insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, you would not be required to change anything. A health insurance exchange lays out health insurance options for clear and simple side-by-side comparisons, explaining plans in terms of benefits and costs. You will know what your choices are and what you are buying. It will make selecting the right health insurance similar to shopping for other item on Amazon, Expedia or any online shopping comparison site. The state exchange establishes health plan quality standards regulated by the Idaho Department of Insurance rather than Washington, D.C. It will also provide tools for consumers to understand if they qualify for assistance and easy enrollment with online applications.This makes shopping for insurance much easier. It keeps our insurance rates as low as possible. It keeps Idaho in control of health insurance for Idahoans. Please let your legislators know that you want them to support the state based exchange. You can sign the governor’s petition to support an Idaho exchange at gov.idaho.gov/petition.cfm. For more information go to keepitinidaho.com.

SCOTT DUNN, M.D.Sandpoint

Idaho Academy of Family Physician Board of Directors