Measure takes stand against universal care

The debate over universal health care that has been heard at the national level in the presidential campaign is being echoed right here in Arizona.
 
State voters are considering a measure - Proposition 101 - that is directly related to the issue of government-directed health care programs designed to provide assistance to all, much like Medicare does currently for the elderly.
 
The proposition would amend the Arizona Constitution to prohibit laws that would:
 
• Restrict a person's freedom to choose a private health care plan or system of their choice.

• Interfere with a person's or entity's right to pay directly for lawful medical services.
 
• Impose a penalty or fine, of any type, for choosing to obtain or decline health care coverage.
 
• Impose a penalty or fine, or any type, for participation in any particular health care system or plan.
 
Supporters are very clear about the intent of the measure to stop the implementation of any universal health care system in Arizona that would require people to participate. They want to protect  medical choice and private health insurance.
 
Opponents are equally clear that they want the option in the future to require universal participation in a health care plan to deal with the problem or uninsured people and to guaranteed that all residents of the state will receive needed health care.
 
The Joint Legislative Budget Committee said the proposal could affect state employee health benefits and the current Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) which provides care to the poor in the state. Proponents dispute that claim.
 
How one decides to vote on this measure really comes down to whether one believes it is more important to have free choice in health care and to maintain is private basis or whether one prefers a government solution to try to ensure everyone has adequate health care.
 
For our part, we prefer individual choice and a private approach over government solutions which often do not solve problems but rather make them worse. We suggest a yes vote on Proposition 101.