RALEIGH, N.C.  – North Carolina Republicans say they’ll take their fight over the federal health care overhaul to the Legislative Building if the Democratic plan passes on Capitol Hill.

House and Senate GOP leaders said Tuesday at a news conference they would file legislation when the General Assembly returns in May letting North Carolina residents “opt out” of requirements that they get health – medical insurance or face cash penalties. House Minority Leader Paul Stam said he believes the U.S. Constitution gives states the right not to participate in parts of the overhaul.

Passage in the Legislature is a long shot because Democrats control the Legislature.

House Speaker Joe Hackney told reporters later Tuesday the GOP news conference sounded like a political event, not a substantive one. Other states are examining similar legislation.

1 Comments For This Post

1. I believe that it is important that citizens not be forced into health-medical  insurance plans in NC which take away their choices or penalize them via taxation for being able to purchase an insurance plan of their choaing. None of the plans offered adequately cover mental health, deal with malpractice costs nor places responsibility and sufficinet accountabilities for compliance on individuals receiving proposed health care. The cuts in Medicaid and Medicare to pay for this care is a take away not a giveaway. In addition, Congress and the Executive as well as Judicial branches of government should be subjected to any such legislation which is passed. Lastly, the constitutionality of exempting certain states and areas from federal legislation such as that being proposed should be challenged.