Haslam: TN Won't Set Up State Health Exchange

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Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam won't create a state-run health insurance exchange, leaving the operation to the federal government. Haslam announced his decision during a speech today.

The Republican governor had until Friday to decide. He says the federal government has not provided enough information.

“And the fact that they either couldn’t or wouldn’t was particularly bothersome. Again, we made repeated efforts, even as recently as Friday afternoon, if you could soothe some of our fears here, we would look at doing this. But they just haven’t been able to do that," he said.

Haslam previously said the state likely could run an exchange more efficiently but acknowledged getting legislative approval would be difficult.

Tea party supporters protested the idea of a state-run exchange outside the Capitol last week, deriding it as "Haslamcare." The governor denies that played into his decision.

Fifteen states, including Kentucky have started creating their own exchanges.