Rupp: Proposition C on the Ballot in August Primary

Missourians will get the chance to vote on Proposition C, also known as the Missouri Health Care Freedom Act, during the August 3 primary. I was a co-sponsor of this measure in the Missouri Senate to allow the people of Missouri to make this important decision at the ballot box. Voters will see the issue on the ballot like this.

Shall the Missouri Statutes be amended to:

• Deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services?
• Modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies?

It is estimated this proposal will have no immediate costs or savings to state or local governmental entities. However, because of the uncertain interaction of the proposal with implementation of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, future costs to state governmental entities are unknown.

Fair Ballot Language:  A "yes" vote will amend Missouri law to deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services. The amendment will also modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies.

A "no" vote will not change the current Missouri law regarding private health insurance, lawful healthcare services, and the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies.

If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.

I supported and worked to get this issue before the voters because Missourians deserve to have a choice regarding the right to keep their own health insurance plan or choose any other private plan, or no plan, without being penalized for that choice.  It also allows Missourians to select the federal government-designed and approved insurance plan if they so choose.

I feel that ensuring your freedoms to make the best choice of healthcare plans for you and your family is an extremely important issue. Forty-two other states are following Missouri's lead and enacting similar legislation or initiatives; however, Missourians will be the first Americans in the nation to have a vote on this issue.  It is a very important election.  Many people around the country will be watching for the Show-Me State election results, so I encourage you to educate yourself on the issue and make your voice heard on Aug. 3^rd. Please get out and vote.

If you have any questions or comments about this week's column or any other matter involving state government, please do not hesitate to contact me.  You can reach my office by phone at (866) 271-2844.