Haslam says TN on track if health care upheld - WSMV Channel 4

Haslam says TN on track if health care upheld

By ERIK SCHELZIG
Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Tennessee is prepared to implement requirements under the federal health care overhaul in the event the Supreme Court upholds the law championed by President Barack Obama, despite serious resistance among Republican lawmakers to lay the groundwork for the program.

Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's administration has made steady progress on establishing the health insurance exchange required by the law, though he told reporters this week that final legislative approval can wait until January.

The nation's highest court is expected to rule on a challenge to the health care law on Thursday.

Cost concerns are the main reasons Haslam said he wants the law struck down.

The U.S. Census shows about 15% of Tennesseans didn't have health insurance in 2010.

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