Government
Bill would let health plans cross state lines
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted July 18, 2005
There is growing support for legislation that would allow individuals to bargain-shop for health insurance plans sold in other states. Proponents say the measure would help low-income families find affordable health plans that fit their needs. The bill, introduced by Rep. John Shadegg (R, Ariz.), was recently the topic of a House subcommittee hearing at which the Energy & Commerce chair, Rep. Joe Barton (R, Texas), suggested that it could soon come before the full committee for a vote. The bill also recently gained its first Democratic co-sponsor, Rep. Ed Towns (D, N.Y).
Opponents of the measure say allowing health plans to market their products across state lines would result in the companies setting up in states with the fewest mandates. "When you let insurers snake out from under consumer protections, like guaranteed issue, coverage may be less expensive for some people. That's because it is not available at all to others," said Rep. Sherrod Brown (R, Ohio).
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2005/07/18/gvbf0718.htm.
