—-Begin Release —-
VTPP Statement Opposing Mandated Insurance Coverage In Virginia
February 1, 2011 – RICHMOND – Today, the Virginia House of Delegates debated HB2467. This bill would impose mandated coverage for autism spectrum disorder on insurance plans for most businesses across Virginia. The bill passed its second reading by voice vote on Tuesday afternoon.
Mark Kevin Lloyd, Chairman of the Virginia Tea Party Patriots Federation, released the following statement:
“This is a misguided attempt by Speaker William Howell and a majority of his colleagues in the House of Delegates use government as a tool for compassion. By doing so they ignore the will of the people and, in particular, the Tea Party by anonymously voting in support of more big government mandates. It appears they are turning a deaf ear to citizens of the Commonwealth after the overwhelming rejection of health care mandates in the form of ObamaCare.
If passed, HB2467 does nothing to stop a full-on expansion of this coverage, as well as any other mandated coverage the state sees fit, in the near future. This creates a slippery slope to a nanny-state type of government, eroding away the freedom of choice and autonomy that businesses and individuals enjoy today.
As a conservative and a patriot interested in limited government, I am opposed to this type of government intrusion into the daily personal and business decisions of all Virginians.”
Autism is certainly a heartbreaking condition and the treatments are a terrible financial strain for many families. The concern of the Virginia Tea Party Patriot Federation with this bill is the inappropriate use of government. There is nothing stopping individual insurance companies from adding this coverage themselves as part of free market competition. Virginia, and our nation, has a history of private individuals and groups assisting those who are in unfortunate circumstances. Government is not an arm of compassion, and no matter how well intended, can never replace faith-based and private initiatives.
In 2010, the Virginia Tea Party Patriot Federation played a significant role in securing the passage of the Health Care Freedom Act which made it illegal to mandate individuals to purchase health insurance.
——-END RELEASE——–
