Insurance Exchanges Roll Out Despite Government Shutdown

The political fight in Washington over so-called Obamacare has not delayed the rollout of a signature feature of the law: health exchanges where people can compare prices and tailor insurance plans for their needs. Sacramento Democrat Ami Bera is a doctor. He says he’d like to delay some taxes in the law, but this is a good day for the uninsured across the state.

“Getting as many folks into the exchanges because as we’ve seen in California the rates are a lot lower than expected. Now if we can have a robust exchange we can keep the rates down,” said Bera.

But Republicans, like Congressman Doug LaMalfa, are still doing just about all they can to fight implementation. He says the new law doesn’t address the real problems.

“Litigation, unneeded testing. All these things that drive up the cost. Doctors have to protect defend themselves against needless lawsuits. They pull out of the practice because it’s no fun anymore; it’s no fun to get their bills paid.” said LaMalfa.

The health care exchanges open today though most plans won’t offer coverage until the New Year.