Gov.-elect Mike Pence is leaving the door open to a hybrid health insurance exchange for Indiana's uninsured residents.
Pence spokeswoman Christy Denault said Wednesday the incoming administration is dealing with the issue "one step at a time." That first step comes Friday when states must tell the federal government whether they will run their own exchange.
Pence has ruled out Indiana running its own exchange. But he has until February to say whether the state will work with the Obama administration to run a "hybrid" system.
National health care expert Bob Laszewski says turning down the state exchange is a clear political victory for Pence. He notes that if the federal government makes a mistake, the state can come back within a year to take over.
