Bill to put Ohio into multi-state health care compact introduced

Press release received today via email:

Reps. Retherford and Boose Introduce Health Care Compact Legislation

Proposal will give Ohio more control over costs and health care outcomes

COLUMBUS—State Representatives Wes Retherford (R-Hamilton) and Terry Boose (R-Norwalk) recently introduced legislation that would enter Ohio into a multi-state health care compact.

Rep. Mark Romanchuk, Rep. John Becker,

Rep. Wes Retherford, Rep. Terry Boose

A multi-state health care compact would allow Ohio to have full control over the federal health care dollars spent within the state, which in Ohio alone would equate to $35 billion annually. Additionally, states within the compact have the authority to craft their own health care systems and regulations to best suit their individual needs, rather than relying on centralized control by the federal government.

“Entering into an interstate health care compact would have tremendous long-term benefits for the state of Ohio,” said Rep. Retherford. “It will allow us to retain local control over tax dollars and help us to reduce waste, increase efficiency and provide better health outcomes for our citizens.”

“We need to allow our health care system the flexibility to provide sustainable, quality health care for Ohioans,” said Rep. Boose. “With health care decisions made at the state level rather than by unaccountable, distant federal bureaucrats, Ohio could tailor its own systems to address its needs.”

Eight states have passed health care compact legislation. The compact would go into effect with the approval of the U.S. Congress.

The legislation will be designated a bill number and assigned to a House committee in the near future.

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