LANSING (AP) -- Gov. Rick Snyder is urging House Republicans to finish committee hearings soon so Michigan officials can start work on a health insurance buying website that's required under the federal health care law.
The Republican governor could set up the health insurance exchange himself through an executive order but told reporters Thursday he isn't "going to put down a gauntlet like that."
The federal government could step in with its own exchange if Michigan hasn't moved by mid-November toward setting up the online marketplace.
The state can't spend $9.8 million in federal planning money without legislative approval or the governor's executive order.
The Republican-controlled Senate approved the exchange last year. The GOP-led House has balked, in part because members fear their votes could hurt them with voters this November.
(Copyright ©2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
