Some States on ObamaCare Deadlines: Who Cares?

The Supreme Court's ObamaCare decision is putting many states in a tight place: They've got to set up exchanges, the law's health insurance markets, by Jan. 1, 2014. But by Jan. 1, 2013, they have to show those exchanges will be ready on time—or the feds will swoop in to "establish and operate" the exchanges for them. That poses a particular challenge to the many states that haven't taken action yet, hoping that the law would be overturned; only 10 states and Washington, DC, have implemented exchange laws, the New York Times notes. But even after the decision, some Republican-controlled states may choose to do nothing.

In the case of Wisconsin, Gov. Scott Walker says his state "will not take any action to implement ObamaCare" on the hopes that the law will be overturned if Republicans gain power in November. And USA Today reports that Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal said today his state will not be setting up an exchange. Meanwhile, states also must determine whether they'll follow the law's expansion of Medicaid. Republican governors in Mississippi, South Carolina, Virginia, and Nevada have indicated they're skeptical of the expansion, the Wall Street Journal notes, even though the feds are willing to cover the costs for the first three years, and 90% of the costs thereafter. (More health care reform stories.)