With Obamacare failing nationally, some states are looking to create publicly funded health care systems within their borders. The idea is that a public option at the state level will spur competition and bring down rates of insurers who participate in the Obamacare exchanges.  But some experts are doubtful, citing evidence that a public option at the state level will reduce payments to doctors and hospitals without expanding consumer choices for coverage. Washington Examiner: Minnesota, Maine and Rhode Island lawmakers have debated setting up a state-funded health plan, which would be available to shoppers in Obamacare's online marketplaces alongside private plans. And Colorado residents soon will vote on whether to create a taxpayer-funded health program dubbed "ColoradoCare," which would cost $38 billion a year but guarantee coverage for everyone. The Affordable Care Act doesn't provide a government-run health plan, an idea Congress rejected...(Read Full Post)