CAHI Applauds Health Care Choice Legislation

    ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today Rep. John
 Shadegg (R-AZ) introduced the Health Care Choice Act of 2007. This
 legislation would allow individuals to purchase health insurance coverage
 over state lines.
 
 
 
     "The message for the uninsured is 'Hold on, help is on the way!'" said
 Dr. Merrill Matthews, director of the Council for Affordable Health
 Insurance (CAHI). "Millions of Americans are uninsured because many states
 impose costly mandates such as guaranteed issue. The Health Care Choice Act
 will give uninsured people trapped in the high-cost states the ability to
 buy affordable coverage already available to citizens of another state.
 Finally, legislation that brings real competition in health insurance,"
 Matthews concluded.
 
 
 
     The legislation would require that the state law where the policy is
 filed (primary state) would apply both in that state as well as any other
 state (secondary state). The Health Care Choice Act would provide
 individuals with a wider range of health insurance options at varying price
 ranges. Consumers would have the choice of how much protection they need
 and can afford.
 
 
 
     "In an age where commerce is conducted widely over the Internet, it
 makes sense that individuals wishing to purchase health insurance should be
 afforded this opportunity for choice and lower costs," said Angela Hunter,
 CAHI federal affairs director. "Where you live should not determine whether
 or not you can afford a health insurance policy."
 
 
 
     Founded in 1992, CAHI is a non-profit research and advocacy association
 whose mission is to develop and promote free market solutions to America's
 health care challenges. CAHI's membership includes health insurance
 companies (active in the individual, small group, HSA and senior markets),
 small businesses, physicians, actuaries and insurance brokers
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

SOURCE Council for Affordable Health Insurance