02/01/2011
Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and John Barrasso (R-WY) have introduced the State Health Care Choice Act (S. 244).
It would give states the option to "opt-out" of the following major provisions in the health reform law, according to a press release describing the bill:
* Individual mandate – the requirement to buy government-approved health insurance coupled with a financial penalty for not doing so.
* Employer mandate – the requirement for businesses to provide government-approved health insurance coupled with financial penalties for not doing so.
* Medicaid mandate – the forced expansion of state Medicaid programs.
* Benefit mandates – defines what qualifies as a health plan as well as new federal requirements for regulating health insurance.
Both Senators noted the Obama Administration has already issued 733 waivers to businesses allowing them to continue offering insurance to their employees and questioned why states should not have the same ability to obtain relief.
S 244 - State Healthcare Choice Act links:
GovTrack.us Bill info
Press Release from Grahm's office
