Mo. gov. expects health law questions to be settled by lawmakers in 2013

States are implementing the health law: In Missouri, the governor says legislators will likely wait until the 2013 legislative session to settle their decisions on the health law's Medicaid expansion and exchanges, Texans get insurance rebates and Georgia works to define "basic" health coverage.

St. Louis Beacon: Nixon Expects Legislators To Tackle Medicaid Expansion, Health Insurance Exchange In 2013
As he keeps his options open, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon said Wednesday that he expects it will be next winter -- after the general election ends and the next legislative session begins -- before the General Assembly is ready to address two key health care issues: Whether to expand the state's Medicaid rolls and/or set up an exchange for the uninsured to buy insurance (Mannies, 7/26).

Texas Tribune: Millions In Rebates Doled Out To Insured Texans
As if perfectly cued to election season, multimillion-dollar rebates are being doled out across America by insurance companies thanks to a new rule in the federal Affordable Care Act, or ACA. Although the much-maligned "Obamacare" remains a prime target for Texas Republicans on the campaign trail, Democrats and other political consultants say the tangible benefits of the ACA now taking effect could change voters' perspectives on President Obama's signature legislative package (Aaronson, 7/26).

Georgia Health News: State Seeks To Define 'Basics' For Health Coverage
The health reform law has spawned many new terms related to its provisions, such as "individual mandate" and "health insurance exchanges." Here's another one: "essential health benefits." The Affordable Care Act requires all insurance plans to offer a comprehensive set of benefits starting in 2014. States are allowed to choose a benchmark plan that would define those benefits that are considered essential. Georgia insurance department official Jay Florence said Tuesday that the agency is reviewing potential benchmark plans offering coverage to individuals and small businesses (Miller, 7/25).