Gov. Shumlin Issued the Following Statement on Health Care Rules

Statement

"This is a tremendous step forward in implementing the Affordable Care Act. The Obama Administration has been unwavering in their effort to implement this law.

The latest step is the release of draft regulations that spell out steps states must take to receive a waiver from certain provisions of the ACA to pursue state innovations without compromising federal standards. We plan to pursue this waiver option in Vermont so we can maximize the impact of the ACA for the people of the state. I greatly appreciate the Obama Administration's recognition of the potential leadership role states can play in expanding coverage and controlling health care costs."

The Affordable Care Act gives States the flexibility to receive a State Innovation Waiver so they may pursue their own innovative strategies to ensure their residents have access to high quality, affordable health insurance. Under the law, State Innovation Waivers are available in 2017. President Obama has already announced support for bipartisan legislation that would make waivers available to States beginning in 2014.

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