Rep. Debra Maggart co-sponsors "Health Care Choice Act"

Representative Debra Maggart co-sponsors
“Health Care Choice Act”

September 22, 2009, NASHVILLE - Representative Debra Maggart announced today that she is co-sponsoring the "Health Care Choice Act" in an effort to lower health insurance costs and provide choice to Tennesseans. The legislation would allow Tennesseans to purchase health insurance plans from companies in other states, a practice that is currently prohibited.

"My constituents are disappointed and frustrated with Washington's current discussions on healthcare reform. I feel compelled to examine and offer a more efficient and rational solution. I am proud to join my House colleagues in this alternative endeavor," said Representative Maggart.

The Health Care Choice Act will expand the number of health care plans available for purchase from 127 in Tennessee to potentially more than 5,000 plans nationwide1.

"The goal is to lower costs by offering more choices," continued Maggart. "With this legislation, Tennesseans will have more access to affordable health care insurance."

At least 5 other states have introduced similar legislation, including New Jersey, Colorado, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Washington. A bill introduced on the federal level aims to allow states to enter into an interstate compact to sell health insurance over state lines. The Washington Post recently reported that Tennessee’s own Senator Bob Corker is pursuing legislation on the federal level to allow a new insurance exchange, allowing companies to compete across state lines nationwide.

Representative Maggart added, "Americans want and deserve health care reform but not the government-run health care that is being discussed in Washington. This legislation is health care reform at the state level that will lower heath insurance costs and provide more choices to Tennesseans.”

"It's time for state legislatures to weigh in on this national debate and take a stand against government-run health care," said Rep. Maggart. "I look forward to having this discussion with my colleagues, so that we can work together to make health insurance more affordable for more Tennesseans," she concluded.
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1According to eHealthInsurance.com