Mich House OKs $31m for health exchange

Associated Press

By DAVID EGGERT Associated Press

Updated: Feb 28, 2013 6:12 PM

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The Republican-led Michigan House has voted to spend $31 million in federal grant money allocated for the creation of the state's online health insurance marketplace.

The 78-31 vote Thursday came despite opposition from conservative groups that want to thwart the contentious federal health care law. But the House's top Republican and other supporters of spending the money say it's in the best interest of Michigan residents to partner with the federal government on the exchange.

The website and call center are supposed to make it easier for people to shop for the insurance they will be required to have under the health law.

The spending bill next heads to the Republican-controlled Michigan Senate, where it could be passed next week.

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