Obama proposes allowing states flexibility with reform

President Obama announced last week that he is willing to support states’ ability to opt out of some provisions of the Affordable Care Act if they are able to design a system that meets certain benchmarks that are expected to be met in the federal plan (Source: "Obama concedes flexibility on health care to nation's governors,” McClatchy Newspapers via Cleveland Plain Dealer, Feb. 28, 2011).

The President’s plan, announced at an address to the National Governors Association, calls for moving up the date from 2017 to 2014 for when states can apply for federal permission to opt out the ACA provision.

"It will give you flexibility more quickly while still guaranteeing the American people reform," Obama told the governors. "If your state can create a plan that covers as many people as affordably and comprehensively as the Affordable Care Act does -- without increasing the deficit -- you can implement that plan. And we'll work with you to do it.”