Baker, Plakon pursue opt-out on health care

Daily Commerci al:As Congress debates health care reforms that could require participation in a government-run health care system, state legislators are prepping for a states-rights battle. State Sen. Carey Baker, R-Eustis, and Rep. Scott Plakon, R-Seminole, are proposing a state constitutional amendment that would absolve residents, employers and health-care providers from mandatory participation in a federal health care system. "It (the amendment) would protect some of the fundamental health care freedoms of all Florida citizens," Baker said. The amendment would give residents and employers the option to choose a health care plan, either through the government or a private insurer without penalties and fines. Hospitals, clinics and physicians could also accept payments without fines and penalties from those who opt not to enroll in a government insurance plan. "You would never legally be forced to enrol in a government healthcare plan," Baker said. "You always have the freedom of choice." The joint resolution that would create the amendment has already been filed in the house by Plakon. A similar senate measure will be introduced by Baker prior to the legislative session next spring. Legislators will consider the amendment during the spring 2010 session. The amendment requires a super majority vote in the Florida house and senate before it can be placed on the 2010 ballot; sixty percent of voters must approve the ballot amendment. The Arizona State Legislature passed a similar proposition, called The Freedom of Choice in Health Care Act, that was on the November 2008 ballot. That proposition failed to get enough votes.

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