Gov wants action before answers on ACA

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Gov. Bob McDonnell is telling legislators that Virginia policymakers need more answers from President Barack Obama's administration about Medicaid before formulating a response to the June U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding the federal health reform law.

In a letter Tuesday to Virginia senators and delegates, McDonnell said there is no need for a special legislative session on the issue because too little is known about whether to create a state health benefits exchange or let the feds do it.

McDonnell noted that while the court upheld the Affordable Care Act's centerpiece, the requirement that everyone be insured or pay a penalty, it also ruled that the federal government can't penalize states that don't expand Medicaid.

He said his health team must learn more and find Virginia's best option on Medicaid.