Washington state joins four other states currently considering legislation to block implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Ten representatives, led by Rep. Matt Shea, introduced HB1168, known as the Washington state health care freedom act of 2013. The bill would protect Washington citizens from any attempt to force them into any health care system, guaranteeing the right to control their own health care decisions.

A law or rule pertaining to health care shall not directly or indirectly compel any person, employer, or health care provider to participate in any health care system.

Provisions in the bill also protect the right of health care providers’ to accept direct payment and block any law that would prohibit the purchase of private health insurance. The legislation concludes with a provision nullifying any federal act in conflict with provisions of the bill, based on the fact that no constitutional power exists authorizing the federal government to administer a health care system.

Any federal law, rule, order, or other act by the federal government violating the provisions of this section is hereby declared to be invalid in this state, is not recognized by and is specifically rejected by this state, and is considered as null and void and of no effect in this state.

“The bill itself doesn’t specifically cite a Tenth Amendment, reserved power of the states, basis for the law.” Tenth Amendment Center national communications director Mike Maharrey said. “But the bill’s authors clearly operate under that premise. And they are right. There is no enumerated power delegating authority to the federal government for administering a health care system. It was meant to remain among the numerous and indefinite powers left to the states and the people.”

Maharrey emphasized the importance of states stepping in to block federal control over individual health care decisions.

“Americans naturally distrust monopolies. They recognize the inherent danger in allowing a few power-brokers to control entire industries. They may not make the immediate connection, but I believe that when they really think about it, Americans recognize that a monopoly of politicians is no better than a monopoly of business people,” he said. “Bottom line: Americans intuitively know they should control their own health care decisions, not have them directed by some bureaucrats in D.C. The states need to step in, interpose and protect that most basic freedom.”

HB1168 was referred to the referred to Health Care & Wellness Committee.

ACTION ITEMS

If you live in Washington, contact members of the Health Care & Wellness Committee and urge them to move the bill on to the House floor. You can find committee member HERE.

Also contact your own representative and senator and urge them to support the bill. You can find contact information HERE.

If you do not live in Washington, urge your lawmakers to introduce health care freedom and nullification legislation. You can find model bills and track efforts across the U.S. HERE.

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