Legislators Could Use ‘Compact’ to Sidestep Healthcare Overhaul

State lawmakers are looking to pass a measure that would join Tennessee with other states in a “compact” to oppose the federal health care overhaul.

A “compact” is a deal between states – like the agreement under which states recognize each other’s drivers’ licenses. This compact would tell the federal government that the states want to regulate health insurance within their borders, without orders from Washington.

State Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey says different states need different approaches to health insurance. He says Tennessee has much more in common with neighbors like North Carolina and Virginia than with states like California .

“And it’s not a one-size-fits-all, all across the nation. I think if you have these compacts of like-minded, like-interest states, it would be a much better program than having a one-size-fits-all pushed down from the federal government.”

If several states pass the new “compact” language, Congress would still have to approve the measure, which is backed by several tea party groups.

Republican legislators last year tried to pass a law opposing the federal health care overhaul, but the Senate and the House couldn’t agree on language and the effort failed. This year Republicans have a clear majority in both houses and have declared the effort a party issue.