Health Care and CCGOP
Rep. Tim Moore (R-Cleveland), Rep. Pearl Burris-Floyd (R-Cleveland, Gaston), Rep. Will Neumann (Gaston), and Senator Debbie Clary (R-Cleveland, Rutherford) held a press conference on March 23 at the historic Cleveland County Courthouse in Shelby. The purpose was to discuss legislation they are filing in response to the federal health care bill that was passed by Congress and signed by the President earlier in the day.
Rep. Moore said, “I believe this federal health care bill goes too far and infringes on the freedoms of North Carolinians. The costs of this legislation could potentially bankrupt the state, and I feel it is important to do all I can do to protect the citizens of this state from this recklessly massive spending bill. While health care reform is needed, socialized health care is not the way to go.”
Rep. Burris-Floyd stated, “Our country has survived natural disasters, civil war, economic depression and even terrorist attacks. But despite of it all, we joined together as Americans to protect both God and country.
Sunday evening America experienced the ultimate attack at the hands of those who took an oath to uphold the Constitution. The voices of millions of Americans were ignored. I speak to the Patriots of our great country when I say that we cannot sit back and remain silent when the core of our very existence is attacked. Our children and grand children deserve to enjoy the true legacy of American strength, values and unity, not a blend of socialism.”
Senator Debbie Clary joined in filing a companion bill in the NC Senate. “The bill we will file in May as session convenes is entitled, An Act to Protect the Freedom to Choose Health Care and Health Insurance. With unemployment hovering around 16 to 18 percent in the counties that I represent, I contend that we cannot afford a mandate on the people or the businesses. The total cost of the plan on a Federal level for the first decade will be $2.4 trillion. That does not include the costs absorbed by the States which has yet to be determined by NC. The cost to the State, mainly through Medicaid spending, will be sizeable and potentially a billion dollars a year. The taxpayers will carry the burden, a burden they simply cannot afford. The majority of the funds will be taken from small business owners who file personal income taxes and provides health insurance for their workers. There is a $750 minimum annual penalty for those North Carolinians who do not conform and purchase health insurance.
The bill we are filing will prevent the federal government from enforcing this penalty on our citizens. We feel it is unconstitutional and that every citizen has the right to choose whether or not they have or can afford coverage.”
Time line of major provisions in Democrat’s health care package here.
Text of Bill:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to protect the freedom to choose health care and health insurance.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1. Chapter 58 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new article to read:
“Article 49A.
“North Carolina Health Care Protection Act.
“§ 58‑49A‑1. Constraints on health care freedom prohibited.
(a) A law or rule shall not do any of the following:
(1) Compel a person to (i) provide for health care services or medical treatment for that person or (ii) contract with, or enroll in, a public or private health care system or health insurance plan.
(2) Interfere with a person‘s right to pay directly for lawful health care services or medical treatment to preserve or enhance that person‘s life or health.
(3) Impose a penalty, tax, fee, or fine on a person for (i) providing for, or failing to provide for, health care services or medical treatment for that person or (ii) contracting with, or enrolling in, or failing to contract with or enroll in, a public or private health care system or health insurance plan.
(b) This section shall not be construed to expand, limit, or otherwise modify any of the following:
(1) The common‑law doctrine of necessaries that a spouse is liable for the necessary expenses incurred by the other spouse, including expenses incurred by medical necessity, or any other duty a person owes to his or her spouse or dependents with respect to the provision of health care services or medical treatment.
(2) Any law regarding which health care services or medical treatments are lawful within this State or who is authorized to provide health care services or medical treatments within this State.
(3) Any right or duty of a health care agent with respect to the principal pursuant to a health care power of attorney executed in accordance with Article 3 of Chapter 32A of the General Statutes.
(4) Any law regarding the right or duty of a parent or guardian in the determination or provision of health care services or medical treatment for a minor.
(c) Upon ascertaining that any of the provisions of this section have been violated, the Attorney General shall have the duty and standing to bring or defend a state or federal action or proceeding on behalf of the residents of this State or any individual resident of this State to enforce the provisions of this section.“
SECTION 2. This act is effective when it becomes law.
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