Sen. seeks to counter ‘Obamacare’

PROVIDENCE – Outraged by both the U.S. House and Senate versions of health care reform, a Republican state senator and pharmacist says he plans to introduce a bill challenging the constitutionality of the federal measures and guaranteeing Rhode Islanders’ right to not buy insurance.
Sen. Leo R. Blais, R-Coventry, said the goal of his “Rhode Island Healthcare Freedom Act” is to protect state residents from the negative effects of “Obamacare.”
Given the “harsh economic conditions” here, Blais said in a news release, it is unrealistic to force people to “buy something they can’t afford.”
“I’m worried that the passage of this bill will mean that Rhode Islanders will lose the freedom to make decisions about their personal health care,” he noted. “The Healthcare Freedom Act will challenge the constitutionality of the current versions of the proposed health care ‘reform’ pending in Congress. This is the first time in the history of the United States that Congress is mandating the American people must buy something.”
In his own practice, Blais said, “I see people every day choosing between eating and buying their medication. What will happen to these folks if they’re forced to spend thousands to buy a health care policy?”
Blais said his bill, which he intends to introduce after the General Assembly starts its new session on Jan. 5, would guarantee that no law could interfere with the right of a person or entity within Rhode Island to pay for lawful medical services to preserve life or health.
The bill would also bar the imposition of any penalty, tax, fee or fine for declining to buy health coverage or for getting a particular kind of plan.
In announcing his measure, Blais also expressed concern about the Medicare and Medicaid provisions in the House and Senate reform plans, which he said could lead to lower pay for providers and also strain the state’s Medicaid system.
“Reform for the sake of reform only isn’t in the best interest of Rhode Islanders,” he said. “The Health Care Freedom Act will help protect our residents.”
Gov. Donald L. Carcieri has also expressed strong concerns about the measures. For alternate perspectives, read a speech given by U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., on the Senate floor on Dec. 22, two days before the Senate bill’s passage. In addition, Peter Asen, executive director of Ocean State Action, offered a critique from the left in a recent Q&A.