Rep. John Shadegg (R-Ariz.) said he has received additional support for a bill (HR 2355) that would allow U.S. residents to purchase health insurance in any state, regardless of their place of residence, CongressDaily reports (CongressDaily, 7/11). Shadegg has said that the legislation, which he introduced last year, would help uninsured residents find affordable health insurance and would help health insurers market their products (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 6/29/05). On Monday, a coalition of health insurance, business and other groups in letter to House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) wrote that the bill would make health insurance policies more affordable through the removal of unnecessary state coverage mandates. According to the letter, "There are an estimated 1,800 insurance 'mandates' across the country, and the costs add up." However, opponents maintain that the legislation would result in health insurance policies that do not cover important medical services. House Republican leaders had considered a floor vote on the bill last month but were uncertain whether the legislation had adequate support for passage. "We are close," a Shadegg spokesperson said (CongressDaily, 7/11).

____________________________________________________________

Kaisernetwork.org is a free service of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.