Indiana gubernatorial candidates (left to right) Republican Mike Pence, Democrat John Gregg, and Libertarian Rupert Boneham.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – The Democrat candidate for Indiana governor says Indiana should opt for a hybrid health insurance exchange under Obamacare.

John Gregg, who held a campaign fundraiser in Lawrenceburg Monday evening, said the hybrid plan would allow Indiana more flexibility with lower costs. The option, he said, would create a federal-state partnership to allow for shared costs, significantly reducing the state's financial investment in the program.

Gregg met with Governor Mitch Daniels earlier Monday to discuss the decision. Daniels has asked each of the three gubernatorial candidates for their input on implementing the Affordable Care Act. Indiana faces a September 30 deadline – more than a month ahead of the general election – to tell the federal government what option it will choose.

"I want to make this clear, it does not matter whether you support the Affordable Care Act or not,” Gregg said. “Whether you love it or hate it, it is the law of the land.  My job as governor will be to protect the best interests of the people of this state and enforce the law in a way that will benefit all Hoosiers and makes healthcare more affordable and more accessible for all Hoosiers.”

Gregg’s stance varies widely from Republican Congressman and opponent Mike Pence, who has said Indiana should refrain from any part of Obamacare.

"Unfortunately, Congressman Pence has chosen to do nothing.  In doing so, he makes the choice to abdicate his responsibility and throw Hoosiers under the federal bureaucracy bus, the same bureaucratic bus that he claims he so adamantly opposes. 

Gregg plans to send his formal comments to Daniels in coming days.

LINKS:

Gov. Candidate Gregg In Lawrenceburg Aug. 27

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Pence to Daniels: Don't Allow Affordable Care Act

Daniels Wants Candidates' Input On Obamacare

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Pence Raises $1.8M, Gregg Gets $584K In 1Q