H. B. 2419
(By Delegates J. Miller, Cowles, Andes and Sobonya)
[Introduced January 12, 2011; referred to the
Committee on Banking and Insurance then the Judiciary.]
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by
adding thereto a new section, designated §33-44-15, relating
to creating the "Health Care Freedom Act"; and enabling
insurers authorized to sale insurance coverage in selected
states to engage in the business of insurance in West
Virginia.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended
by adding thereto a new section, designated §33-44-15, to read as
follows:
ARTICLE 44. UNAUTHORIZED INSURERS ACT.
§33-44-15. The right to engage in private insurance contracts.
(a) This section may be cited as the "Health Care Freedom
Act".
(b) The people have the right to enter into private contracts
with health care providers for health care services and to purchase
private health care coverage. The Legislature may not require any
person to participate in any health care system or plan, nor may it
impose a penalty or fine, of any type, for choosing to obtain or
decline health care coverage or for participation in any particular
health care system or plan.
NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to allow private citizens
the freedom to enter into private contracts for health care
services or health care coverage or both.
This section is new; therefore, it has been completely
underscored.