The Legislature's Health Care Task Force has voted 11-1 to endorse the draft legislation for an Idaho health insurance exchange, and to "send it to a germane committee to let them determine whether it's best for the state or not," in the words of Sen. Joyce Broadsword, R-Sagle, who made the motion. The sole "no" vote came from House Health & Welfare Chairwoman Janice McGeachin, R-Idaho Falls; you can read my full story here at spokesman.com.

"I am not opposed to the idea of setting up an exchange in our state, but I do have some concerns with this legislation the way it's drafted," McGeachin said. "I have ... offered to sit down with the director of insurance about some of my concerns. I'm not opposed to the idea of an exchange in Idaho, but I do have some particular concerns with the way this bill is drafted."

Rep. John Rusche, D-Lewiston, said, "As always, the devil's in the details and the plan of operations is really going to say whether this is successful and meets the needs of Idaho. But as far as the framework, I think it's probably as good as we can get. I support the committee's endorsement." Sen. John Goedde, R-Coeur d'Alene, said as he cast his "yes" vote, "I'm going to vote to support this, but I would be open to looking at amendments that might improve it."

The Legislature convenes on Monday.

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