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Illinois Backs Obama Healthcare Fix, Asks Insurers To Extend Substandard Plans

CHICAGO (AP) -- Gov. Pat Quinn's administration has announced Illinois will allow the one-year extension of existing health insurance plans proposed by President Barack Obama.

Friday's announcement sets Illinois apart from some other states led by Democrats. Those states rejected the president's proposal, saying it could leave many consumers with substandard coverage.

Obama announced last week he wants insurers to have the option to renew plans that would otherwise be canceled because they fall short of requirements in the nation's health law.

The proposal was meant to help the president regain credibility after his frequent promise that Americans who liked their plans could keep them.

At least 4 million Americans received cancellations notices -- including about 185,000 in Illinois.

It's unclear how Illinois insurers will react. They aren't required to renew the policies.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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