I think that any opportunity that Idaho has to control its own destiny is one we should jump at. That is why I am glad to see that Gov. Butch Otter has chosen to declare his preference for a state-based health insurance exchange and I would like to say "thank you."

This wasn't a piece of health care reform that Idaho went looking for and I know the governor certainly was not excited about it. I also know that he really did his homework on this issue as I was part of the large group of people that helped with that homework. At the end of the day, he had to have realized that change is coming to our health insurance industry and we can have a hand in it or forfeit this vital service.

The governor kept his cards hidden while doing his research, so it was a pleasant surprise to learn on Dec. 11 that, despite his dislike for the federal law, Otter would move the ball forward on our own exchange. He could have waited until Dec. 14 to declare his preference. Why come out early, especially with a vocal group waiting to express their displeasure? A group that still hopes the whole federal bill will go away? Maybe it was because of the importance of building the coalition needed to make sure the exchange is not stopped by the Legislature.

Opponents to the State Exchange may be correct in believing that if no one uses the Exchanges the federal law dies. These exchanges are a key provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Healthcare Act (PPACA). The law was battled out in Congress, the Supreme Court ruled on it and PPACA played a major role in the recent elections. The newly reelected president will make sure it stays in place. We will have an Exchange.

The Exchange is intended to provide a benefit to the citizens of Idaho. It will simplify the complexities of the available plans as well as assess the applicant's eligibility for Medicaid, Medicare or a Federal tax subsidy. Fifty percent of Idahoans will be eligible for a subsidy on the exchange. With their money on the line, Idahoans will go to the Exchange. Lack of participation (think of it as popular nullification) will not end PPACA.

It has been difficult to get where we are today and we are not done yet. The governor watched, waited and studied the issue and then made the call. You might think that, given all of the thought and effort, people would realize an honest effort was made and move forward but not yet. People who support the governor's leadership on this issue need to reach out and thank him. More importantly, they need to let their Legislators know of that support. Otter got the train moving but it was our Legislature that put us behind schedule by refusing to even hold a hearing on the issue last year. They can stop it again and they might if the only voices they hear are from those who still believe in nullification.

The governor has made the first move toward a State Exchange. Please reach out to your legislators and let them know that they have your support for a State Healthcare Exchange.

Kevin Settles is an Idaho business owner and was a member of the governor's health exchange work group.