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Idaho Defies Law, Sets Own Insurance Rules (AP)

— Will allow policies that violate ACA without seeking federal waiver

MedpageToday

Idaho announced Wednesday a plan to let let health insurers sell cheaper policies that skirt core provisions of the Affordable Care Act, according to an AP report -- without seeking federal approval as required by law.

Insurers would be allowed to deny coverage for those with pre-existing conditions for up to 12 months, and could charge higher premiums based on people's age, health status, or place of residence.

Robert Laszewski, a health policy consultant, told AP that legal challenges by ACA backers are inevitable and the state is bound to lose. "The Trump administration can look the other way, but courts can't look the other way," Laszewski said.