February 3, 2010
The resolution, SCR 1626, The Health Care Freedom Amendment, gives Kansas citizens the right to choose whether or not to join any health care system, allowing them to manage their own health care options. The legislation also allows citizens to pay directly for medical care without penalties or fines, which is not allowed in some single-payer countries. “This is about preserving the ability of Kansans to dictate how and where they receive their health care without any penalties for not utilizing the Federal government system,” said Representative Brenda Landwehr, Chair of the House Health and Human Services Committee. “Although the national health care mandate may be faltering, it is important that Kansas get out in front of this to prevent further erosion of our citizen’s rights.” This proposition would not affect which health care services a health care provider or hospital is required to perform or provide. It would not affect which health care services are permitted by law and would not prohibit care relating to workers compensation or state employee benefit programs. By passing this proposition, the Kansas Legislature would be giving the citizens of Kansas an opportunity to vote for their health care sovereignty. Any person, employer or health care provider would have the right to be free from any rule or law compelling participation in any health care system. It would protect Kansas citizens from any penalties or fines resulting from choosing their own health care provider. Additionally, employers would be free to purchase lawful health services directly from a health care provider and there would be no law to prevent a provider from accepting direct payment for health care services. “We are not attempting to prevent anyone from choosing a government option,” said Representative Peggy Mast, Assistant Majority Leader. “This resolution protects the citizens of Kansas from being subjected to a government mandate that defines their health care choices.” This resolution will go before the registered voters of Kansas if approved by two-thirds of the elected members of the Kansas Senate and two-thirds of the elected members of the Kansas House of Representatives. Once approved, the resolution will be placed on the election ballot in 2010. If citizens vote against this proposition in 2010, there would be no constitutional protections to ensure that the citizens, employers, and health care providers of Kansas are protected from mandatory enrollment or participation in a government-managed healthcare system. Back to Newsroom |