Some Texas leaders hope healthcare bill will allow for opting out of plan

By ANNA M. TINSLEY

atinsley@star-telegram.com

As Congress debates overhauling the nation’s healthcare system, some state leaders hope that whatever legislation passes will include a provision allowing Texas to opt out of the plan.

Although its not yet part of the massive Democratic-led plan, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has said there will be a provision letting states opt out of the $1.1 trillion program geared to guarantee that 96 percent of Americans have insurance, including 36 million who currently don’t have coverage.

Two key concerns for Texas leaders: This state leads the nation in uninsured residents, and taxpayers here likely would have to help pay for the federal program whether the state participates in it or not.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who opted out of some federal stimulus funds earmarked for unemployment benefits this year, has said he isn’t sure, given a choice, whether he would opt Texas out of any healthcare revamp.

"Until we see more clearly what Washington’s plan is relative to this, sure, our options are open," Perry told reporters this week.

But the choice may not be up to him.

Any decision on what Texas should do regarding the plan would likely fall to the Texas Legislature or whoever wins Texas’ governor’s race next year. That election has drawn several Republicans, including two of the most popular GOP officeholders and a handful of Democrats, including a former U.S. ambassador, a rancher, a comedian and a hair care executive.

The U.S. House could vote on the plan as soon as this weekend; the U.S. Senate might not take it up until next year.

Members of Congress

Some area Republicans say opting out may not be an issue anyone needs to address.

"There is no guarantee there will be an 'opt out’ provision in a final bill," said Rep. Kay Granger, R-Fort Worth, who plans to vote against the bill. "This option is not in the House bill, and the Senate is writing their legislation behind closed doors."

She and other Republicans say they oppose the bill because it increases taxes, boosts federal debt and grows government.

"It really doesn’t fix any of the ailments in healthcare," said Rep. Joe Barton, R-Arlington. "The opt-out doesn’t really change the fundamental flaws in this bill.

"It is an attempt to buy votes," he said. "I think it is best for Congress to opt out of this plan by voting it down before it ever becomes an issue at the state level."

Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, didn’t respond to questions from the Star-Telegram about a potential opt-out provision. And Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Dallas, declined to comment on the opt-out provision because it is part of the Senate bill, not the House’s.

Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Lewisville, said he’s against the plan because it would be another unfunded system similar to Medicare.

"There are many other ways to fix the problems that exist in our current healthcare system, but the creation of a public option is not the answer and would be a significant mistake," he said.

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