State-based health insurance exchange creation is currently on hold [Video]

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) -Right now, if you buy health insurance off the marketplace that program is run by the federal government. However, some steps have been taken to start a state-run exchange in its place.

The legislation that’s the catalyst for a state-based exchange was sponsored by Republicans, but it doesn’t seem all have gotten on board, according to Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney.

“I can’t get an answer out of the right parties as to whether or not we can go forward, although the legislature said we could,” said Chaney.

He says he’s waiting on the governor.

“I’m not bad-mouthing the governor, but we do need a decision. You can’t wait eight or nine months,” he noted.

The governor allowed the legislation to take effect without his signature. We asked his office about the Commissioner’s comments and whether he intended to sign off on it. They sent a statement saying, “The governor and his staff continue to …