Kentucky lawmakers are frustrated by the lack of information on the state’s incoming health insurance exchange.The exchange is required under the healthcare law, and will allow Kentuckians to compare and purchase insurance plans.At a meeting of the joint Health and Welfare committee, many lawmakers prodded members of the executive branch for details on the costs and operations of the exchange. But answers were lacking.“The feds don’t even know what the answers are or they aren’t sharing them with the state. So today’s questions were I don’t think any way reflective of anybody’s position toward the cabinet. It’s trying to make sure, if we’re going to move in this direction, we know before we vote,” says committee co-chair Julie Denton.Lawmakers may call a special meeting of the committee in order to have their concerns heard again. After September 17, state law says the committee will lose the right to express an opinion on the governor’s executive order setting up the exchange. However, even if the committee voted in opposition to the exchange, it wouldn't stop it from being set up, since the General Assembly cannot overrule an executive order.
