Georgia Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens announced Wednesday his plan to request a waiver from the federally imposed Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) standard for 2011, 2012 and 2013 found in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) or what is commonly known as Obama Care.

In his letter of transmittal requesting the waiver to Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Hudgens said, "Although I believe that ACA is unconstitutional and fully support the various legal challenges to its constitutionality, it is my duty as Commissioner to do everything possible to protect the interests of Georgia citizens and the viability of the Georgia insurance market."

According to Hudgens the purpose of Georgia's request for an MLR waiver is three-fold. First, is to protect Georgians with health issues who are currently insured in the individual market. For these individuals, Hudgens said, it is imperative that their current insurer remain in the Georgia individual health market.