Idaho Insurance Exchange Bill Making Way Through Legislature

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A bill intended to give Idaho insurance brokers an opportunity to help clients shop for health insurance is headed for debate in House committee. The measure introduced in the House State Affairs Committee Thursday would give brokers access to customers looking for coverage through the health insurance exchange. The exchanges — a byproduct of the federal health care overhaul — will be set up like an online marketplace for insurance products for individuals and small businesses.

In coming weeks, lawmakers will debate whether to move forward with a state-built exchange or a federal version. Republican Rep. Lynn Luker of Boise says the rules for both exchanges leave hundreds of Idaho insurance brokers in limbo and unable to help clients. The bill was advanced to the House Business Committee for review.