Health care exchange bill passes Colo. House

By The AP
Wednesday, May 4, 2011

DENVER — House lawmakers have approved a bill that would create a health insurance marketplace in which individuals and small business can pool together to get lower premiums.

The bill passed today with bipartisan support in a 44-21 vote.

The bill now goes to the Senate to rectify small differences before the proposal goes to Gov. John Hickenlooper, who supports the idea.

Tea party supporters urged lawmakers to reject the idea.

Some Republicans who opposed the bill argued that, because the new federal health care law requires states to set up exchanges, states should resist the move.