Indiana Governor Seeks Input On Health Care Decisions

Photo: Virginia Department of Health

Governor Mitch Daniels must decide on some aspects of the health care law before he leaves office.

Governor Mitch Daniels is reaching out to the state’s gubernatorial candidates for input on two decisions the state must made because of the Affordable Care Act.

In letters to the three gubernatorial candidates, Daniels says he is seeking their input because the costs and consequences of the decisions required this year will be borne by the next administration.

By the end of 2012, the state must decide whether to use a federal or state health insurance exchange, a kind of marketplace for insurers and consumers, and establish an essential health benefits package.

In a statement, GOP candidate Mike Pence says he is still preparing a written response to Daniels and criticized the Affordable Care Act, calling for its repeal.

Gubernatorial hopeful John Gregg’s communications director Daniel Altman says the Democratic candidate only received the letter Thursday morning.

“John looks forward to talking with Governor Daniels about ways to make health care more affordable and more accessible for all Hoosiers,” Altman says.

Libertarian candidate Rupert Boneham could not be reached for comment.