Maintain free market on healthcare

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Dear Editor:

President Ronald Reagan famously said, “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help.’” With only a few weeks left in this year’s state legislative session, the Indiana General Assembly would be wise to heed his warning.

Thankfully, the House Insurance Committee has, by making business-friendly changes to Senate Bill 140 (SB 140), which would have added more burdensome government regulations to our health care system and driven up prescription drug costs for patients, small businesses and other employers.

Billionaire special interests are pursuing what could very well amount to a government takeover of prescription drug cost negotiations. If lawmakers truly care about lowering costs, they should adopt a free market approach, rather than imposing more government red tape.

Last week, the House took a stand for Indiana’s free market principles and protected us Hoosiers. By burying our businesses in bureaucracy and limiting pharmacy benefit choices, SB 140 would have increased drug costs, taken away choice and give the government free reign to impose health care mandates on all Hoosiers. This is deeply concerning given that our state is already struggling to backfill a $1 billion Medicaid shortfall.

Now, the Legislature needs to pass SB 140 in its new version, as amended by House Insurance. Those same special interests are still hard at work in Indianapolis, trying to convince elected officials to reverse the pro-business progress on SB 140. The House Insurance version of SB 140 allows employers to take advantage of the free market while also supporting independent pharmacies. It’s a win for everyone, and the Legislature should send it forward to the Governor’s desk – not backwards to its harmful first draft.

David Goldberg
Carmel