Kansas Health Insurance Aimed At Blocking Health Care Overhaul

A Kansas health insurance proposal aimed at blocking part of the federal health care overhaul from taking effect in the state has advanced in both houses of the legislature. Senators voted 26-10 last week to amend a so-called health care “freedom” measure into a bill dealing with the state’s pharmacy laws. The proposal would prohibit state government from forcing any individual or employer to buy health insurance. The House of Representatives previously had passed the same measure with slightly differing language. Critics say the state can’t overrule a federal law, and they note the U.S. Supreme Court will ultimately decide whether the federal law is constitutional. Both houses will now appoint conference committee representatives to reconcile differences between bills so that a single bill can be submitted to the Governor for his signature.

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