n North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776
States prepare to launch new health law Preparing for Obamacare was an overwhelming task for the states, which set up insurance exchanges, decided whether to expand Medicaid to more poor people, and tried to increase the numbers of doctors and nurses.
June 11, 2013 - The Oakland Press