Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that allows the state to join the Interstate Health Care Compact for the purpose of regulating health care within the state.

Highlights:

• Requires member states to seek Congressional approval of the Compact (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes each member state's legislature to regulate health care within the state, and to suspend any federal laws and regulations regarding health care that are inconsistent with the state's laws (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes signatory states to receive federal funding with Congressional approval based on the total level of federal spending on health care in the state during its current year funding level for that federal fiscal year (Sec. 1).

• Establishes the Interstate Advisory Health Care Commission, which meets at least once a year and consists of the following members (Sec. 1):
• Up to 2 members from each state, appointed by their state; and
• 1 chairperson elected by the Commission members.

• Establishes the powers of the Interstate Advisory Health Care Commission, including, but not limited to the following (Sec. 1):
• Adopting and publishing bylaws and policies that do not conflict with the compact;
• Studying issues of health care regulation;
• Forming nonbonding recommendations to the member state legislatures; and
• Collecting information and data to assist member states in health care regulation.

• Specifies that the act shall be effective upon its adoption by at least 2 states and Congressional approval (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes member states to amend the compact with unanimous agreement without prior Congressional approval, with the amendment being effective unless Congress disapproves of it within 1 year (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits the legislature from implementing this bill in "any manner that negatively affects or impacts" entitlement or Medicare benefits to senior adults (Sec. 1).

• Rep. Cain voted "Yea" after the roll call.

• Rep. Lewis voted "Yea" after the roll call.

Full Bill Text