The clock is ticking for the MI healthcare exchange

The Michigan government has until the end of the week to approve a partnership with the federal government to create a healthcare exchange, Governor Rick Snyder told The Associated Press on Monday.

On Friday evening, the state Senate is schedule to take a two-week spring break. Snyder is urging lawmakers to pass legislation that would approve the decision to create a hybrid state-federal online marketplace where Michigan residents will shop for and purchase insurance.

If the government doesn’t pass the legislation, the exchange would be operated entirely by the federal government. Snyder warned this would result in poor customer service for users.

“In retrospect, if we end up with that, at some point people will look back and most likely regret that decision,” Snyder said. “Wouldn’t you rather be working with a Michigander helping a Michigander understand what they need versus having somebody that the federal government has chosen to be your trusted guide?”

If the Senate approves the proposal, Michigan would be in charge of some customer service responsibilities and approve insurers to sell plans on the marketplace, the news service reported.