Rohrer: In Defense of Health Care Freedom

In Defense of Health Care Freedom

By Rep. Samuel E. Rohrer (R-Berks)

Should the federal government in Washington, D.C., have the power and authority to force you to purchase a good or service? That is one of the questions at the center of the ongoing health care reform debate in our nation’s capital.

Many current leaders in the federal government think that – "for your own good" – you and your neighbors should be forced to purchase health insurance. While you may have your own opinions about what is in your best interest, politicians in Washington, D.C., aren't interested in hearing them. They will tell you what's good for you.

The truth of the matter is that most – but not all – people want health insurance. The problem is that some can't afford it. With that in mind, how would a federal mandate affect the cost of health insurance?

Basic economics teaches us to observe the relationship between supply and demand. When demand increases without a corresponding increase in supply, prices will increase. If more people want to purchase a good or service, its price will rise.

When millions of additional Americans are forced to purchase health insurance, this will add to the demand for this service. The result will be a spike in health insurance prices, making it harder – not easier – for low-income families to afford it. As is so often the case, a government initiative would likely have the opposite effect of that intended by its proponents.

One doesn't have to stretch the imagination too far to see the effects of similar well-intentioned government efforts. It was just a few years ago that federal lawmakers were selling the snake oil of universal homeownership. The implosion of the housing market and the global economic recession are proof that government doesn’t always know best.

Imagine the floodgate that would be opened for other special interest groups if the individual mandate is approved. Each and every lobbyist on Capitol Hill would be lined up, ready to convince Congress that Americans should be forced to buy their client’s products or services because they're "good for us." How long would it be before Congress forced families to buy a car every year because it would "stimulate" the economy and "create or save" jobs?

Food and water are arguably more important to human survival than health insurance. And yet, there is no federal government mandate regarding these basic necessities. Americans would be rightly outraged if their government passed a law requiring them to purchase a certain amount of food per day from state-approved restaurants.

A federal mandate to buy food and water would do little to help the penniless beggar, since he lacks the means to make the purchase. Punishing him with a fine when he fails to buy the food also would do little to improve his circumstances. Similarly, a federal mandate to purchase health insurance would do little to help those who cannot currently afford it.

Finally, Congress has no authority under the U.S. Constitution to compel people to purchase health insurance. A federal mandate to purchase health insurance is a threat to your personal liberties and God-given rights. The Constitution is the yard stick by which any federal policy must be measured. The health insurance mandate falls short of constitutional requirements.

Congress and the president do have the authority to lift existing regulations and laws that limit competition in the health insurance market. For example, they could lift current restrictions that prevent companies from selling health insurance across state lines. This would provide more choices for American consumers and increase competition.

The federal government also could do something about the ambulance-chasing personal injury lawyers who target doctors and hospitals because they have "deep pockets." Lawsuit abuse reform is vital to prevent the continuation of this extortion that drives up health care costs for the rest of us. Your health care dollars should not be used to pay for a trial lawyer's three-piece business suit or country club membership. They should be used to pay for your medical care.

Americans should be able to purchase health insurance because they want it and they can afford it – not because they are forced by a mandate handed down from politicians and bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.

Personal choice and freedom – not government force – should be at the heart of the health care debate.

State Rep. Sam Rohrer is a Republican who represents the 128th House District in Berks County. He is also seeking the GOP nomination for governor of Pennsylvania.