HCW Benefits Blog

Contributor:
Laura Bibb, JD, Compliance Officer
Hill, Chesson & Woody

Republicans leaders in the NC General Assembly are considering legislation that would attempt to weaken healthcare reform law

Last week, the House Judiciary Committee voted 23-16 to approve House Bill 2 “Protect Health Care Freedom.”  The bill, which would attempt to block the application of the individual mandate provision of healthcare reform to North Carolinians, is sponsored by Representatives Stam, Barnhart, Hollo, and Murry.  The reform individual mandate requires Americans to purchase health insurance beginning in 2014, or pay a penalty.  As drafted, the NC legislation requires Attorney General Roy Cooper to defend the law in court if it is enacted by the General Assembly.  Attorney General Cooper has refused to join the lawsuit pending in Florida, which was filed on behalf of other state attorneys general challenging the constitutionality of reform law.

It is anticipated that the bill could be before the House for debate and vote this week.

You may also track the status Protect Health Care Freedom through the NC General Assembly website. 

Need more guidance on healthcare reform? Download the presentations and recorded webinars from our recent educational series.