Maryland Health Care Freedom Act

Republican Senators EJ Pipkin, Nancy Jacobs and Alex Mooney have introduced a bill that would prohibit the implementation of the mandatory purchase of health insurance provisions in the federal health care bill championed by President Barack Obama. The GOP bill proposes an amendment to the Maryland Constitution which would require a referendum vote by Maryland’s citizens at the General Election to be held on November 2, 2010.

Currently, Maryland law does not require State residents to obtain health care coverage. This proposed constitutional amendment prohibits any law requiring an individual, employer, or health care provider to participate in a health care system or that assesses penalties or fines for nonparticipation.  These measures would preserve health care freedom in Maryland for the purchase or sale of health insurance in private health care systems.

In response to the federal legislation, over 20 states have considered state legislation to make or keep health insurance optional, and allow people the freedom to purchase any type of coverage they choose. The proposed state legislation restricts the authority of state or federal government to establish single-payer or to mandate requirements that individuals purchase health insurance.

Senate Bill 397 – Health Care Freedom Act of 2010 is being considered by the Senate Finance Committee.