State efforts underway to lift health insurance mandate
Some states are discussing litigation to fight the federal health insurance mandate that is a part of both the House and Senate reform proposals
While the House and Senate have different healthcare reform bills, there’s one thing they have in common: a mandate that all Americans buy health insurance.
But, the Associated Press reports this week, there is state-level backlash against that proposal. Thirty-four states have proposals in place that would reject the health insurance mandate, according to the American Legislative Exchange Council.
“These [state] amendments are a way to manifest grassroots opposition,” Goldwater Institute constitutional litigation director Clint Bolick was quoted as saying.
And the opposition’s confidence was sparked by Scott Brown’s surprise win in Massachusetts. The Republican’s election to Ted Kennedy’s former Senate seat has been interpreted by some as a sign that Americans are wary of the healthcare reform bills and want lawmakers to slow down.
Changes to state constitutions to ban the mandate aren’t likely to accomplish anything, though. Cornell University constitutional law professor Michael Dorf said to the Associated Press that the supremacy clause gives priority to federal laws over state ones.
Learn how easy and convenient shopping for health insurance can be. Get your free health insurance quotes today!
Posted: February 1, 2010
Related Health Insurance Articles
- Health discount plans face stricter regulation in Massachusetts January 28, 2010
- Health insurance reform may be accelerated after Brown win January 21, 2010
- Reducing salt intake can improve health January 21, 2010
- Insurance industry’s influence on healthcare policy stronger than that of nurses January 20, 2010
- Employers increasingly unsatisfied with health insurers January 19, 2010
- Michigan proposal would end lawmakers’ health insurance benefit January 19, 2010
- Resolve to be healthier in 2010 and save money on insurance January 12, 2010
- Debate over taxes on “Cadillac” health insurance plans among lawmakers January 8, 2010
- Health insurance policyholders may want to make a healthier lifestyle one of their 2010 resolutions January 8, 2010
- Rate of uninsured Wisconsin residents steady from 2007 to 2008 January 6, 2010
