States receives extension on healthcare exchange decision, no hints for PA

Among other states that haven't yet filed their decision, Pennsylvania received a one-month extension to notify the federal government of whether it will organize its own benefits exchange.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius told governors Thursday evening they now have until Dec. 14 to declare their intentions of either running a state system or leaving it to the federal government.

Governor Tom Corbett has yet to share his views on the subject.

"I'm looking at the cost to Pennsylvania taxpayers and whether we can afford it," he told The Morning Call, "I have some ideas of where we're going, but I'm not ready to announce it right now."

As of Thursday, 15 states have chosen to run their own exchanges while another 15 are giving Washington the job and four are opting to partner with the federal government, according to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

States considering a partnership have until Feb. 15 to formalize a decision. If a state chooses this option, it will handle consumer relations and health plan oversight while the federal government takes much of the exchange needs, such as handling enrollment.