Gov. Parnell: Alaska Will Evaluate Federal Health Care Law on “Case-By-Case” Basis

Alaska Governor Sean Parnell addresses how he will approach health care law requirements, implementation and funding.

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By Natalie Travis

Story Created: Mar 8, 2011 at 8:50 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Mar 8, 2011 at 11:12 PM AKDT

In the aftermath of a Florida judge staying his ruling after deeming the federal Affordable Health Care for American Act as unconstitutional, Alaska Governor Sean Parnell said Alaska will carefully evaluate every aspect of the law on a case-by-case basis.

Gov. Parnell also said he will look at hundreds of mandates put forth by the federal government one at a time as the mandate of each deadline approaches.

As they come up, Parnell plans to evaluate whether the regulation is mandated or at the discretion of the state.

Those items that are discretionary to the state, Parnell said he will decide whether to implement them or not.

The goal, the governor said, is to not get too tangled up in something deemed unconstitutional by a court to which Alaska is party.

State Sen. Hollis French (D-Anchorage) said the Affordable Care Act is in full force and in effect in Alaska and the legal battle is over for now.

“I think the real issue is, will the governor work with his administration and the legislation and the legislature to implement this federal law that helps Alaskans find an affordable insurance policy,” said Sen. French.

“Judge Vinson has held that law unconstitutional, but he has told us to go ahead and implement while it is being appealed, so along those lines, the federal government has put forth hundreds new mandates in that legislation with deadlines for choices that can be made by a state along the way,” said Parnell.

Senator Hollis French said he has a hearing this week on SB70, a bill that is part of the Affordable Care Act and involves a health connector via the web, for people to find health care insurance polices.

Parnell said there should be progress on that in next six to 10 months.

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