MI will use federal exchange

On Thursday, Michigan lawmakers voted against Governor Rick Snyder's proposal to partner with the federal government to create a healthcare exchange where residents can shop for and purchase coverage.

The state Senate opted to not use a $31 million grant to build the online marketplace, which leaves the responsibility of developing, implementing and operating the exchange completely in the hands of the federal government. Michigan will have to spend $8 million of state funds to use Washington's system, The Associated Press reported.

Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville told the news service lawmakers expressed "resounding disapproval" of the Snyder's proposal.

"There's just real concerns that the federal government is not prepared to enact what they have kind of forced at us," he said. "For us to sign up and say we can do it better when we don't even know what all the things are that are going to be required, we're just not on board with that."

Government officials begin a two-week spring break Friday evening, and Governor Rick Snyder wanted the issue settled before then, according to Detroit Free Press.

Snyder originally suggested a state-run exchange in 2011, but later opted instead for a partnership to appease lawmakers.