San Diego Union-Tribune, November 4, 2009

In a recent column, David Broder proclaimed that “no one should be denied coverage options by virtue of where they live.” “Health care and states’ rights,” (Oct. 30). That’s exactly why Congress should allow consumers to purchase health insurance across state lines.

Insurance regulations vary widely from state to state, so a policy can be many times more expensive in one state than in another. In New Jersey, for instance, a hypothetical 25-year-old man would have to shell out roughly $5,500 a year for a standard policy. A similar plan in Kentucky — where there are fewer mandates on insurance policies — would run him around $1,000.

By letting Americans shop around for the best insurance value, we could dramatically lower health costs and expand coverage.

SALLY C. PIPES

President
Pacific Research Institute