Parnell won't implement federal health overhaul in Alaska

[Arctic Dave]

JUNEAU -- Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell said he will not implement the federal health care overhaul because a judge in Florida struck down the law as unconstitutional.

It's not immediately clear what practical impact the unusual move would have on Alaskans, an estimated 14 percent of whom are uninsured year-round. A major expansion of the federal law is still pending, and a legal expert and health care consumer advocate say any refusal by the states to participate in the law is an invitation to the federal government to step in and implement it for them.

Parnell, who sought the advice of his attorney general amid concerns implementing the law would violate his oath of office, told the Juneau Chamber of Commerce the state would pursue lawful, market-based solutions to making insurance affordable and accessible to Alaskans.

He said the Florida federal district judge's ruling is the law of the land, as it pertains to Alaska, barring implementation of the federal law here. He said the state will pursue options of its own instead.



Read more: http://www.adn.com/2011/02/17/1708795/parnell-rejects-federal-health.html#ixzz1EG5SthSu

Looks like repug governors are assholes in every state.

[Maine_Nurse]

1. I'm curious, Dave

Does it look like the law will be a benefit or a hindrance to your state? I haven't lived up there for a while now and don't know how it looks.

[Arctic Dave]

2. Alaska has a huge number of uninsured people living here.

I would much rather see "Medicare for all" or just plain ol public option.

However that is not Parnell's end game. He is playing to the winger base that hates all thing gov on one hand and extends the other out for cash. He has done everything to inhibit all progress for healthcare, even to the point of not taking monies given to the state for looking into helping people get health care insurance.

[Maine_Nurse]

4. Thanks. Guess our problems here are different.

It really is going to screw us here. I wondered if Alaska was facing the same type of problems we were. Appreciate the answer.

[Arctic Dave]

7. Luckily a lot of of rural natives already have a wonderful, downright socialist,

healthcare system in place. Getting medical help for the rest could be followed in the same way with regional medical offices and more specialized care could be had a large hubs cities.

[Arctic Dave]

3. Hmm, my post is acting up. Hopefully it is below. ;)

I would much rather see "Medicare for all" or just plain 'ol public option.

However that is not Parnell's end game. He is playing to the winger base that hates all thing gov on one hand and extends the other out for cash. He has done everything to inhibit all progress for healthcare, even to the point of not taking monies given to the state for looking into helping people get health care insurance.

[11 Bravo]

5. What about the two judges who rejected the challenges?

Who the fuck does this dickwad think he's kidding?

[Arctic Dave]

6. Parnell is as smarmy as they come.

This is his way of sucking up the SP anti-reality base.

[cynatnite]

8. Is his refusal to implement federal law legal? n/t

[Arctic Dave]

9. Finding out will make some lawyers richer.

In all reality this is just a way for parnell to suck up to the SP base. I believe the word on the street is he is wanting to take don young's place.