Oklahoma Leaders Shelve Plan For Insurance Exchange

Legislative leaders are shelving a plan to comply with the new federal health care law and set up a state health insurance exchange.

In a joint statement released late Thursday, House Speaker Kris Steele and Senate President Pro Tem Brian Bingman say they plan to wait until the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the constitutionality of the new law.

The nation's highest court is expected to rule later this year on a challenge by several states that the law is unconstitutional.

Gov. Mary Fallin says she supports the Legislature's decision and remains hopeful the court will strike down the law.

Last year, the Republican-controlled Legislature rejected $54 million in federal money to set up the state exchange, in part because of bitter opposition from tea party activists and other conservatives.