Kansas Insurance Commissioner, Others Urge Veto of Multistate Health Compact

Republican Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger and several health care organizations are urging Gov. Sam Brownback to veto legislation that would allow Kansas to join a multistate health care compact.

Praeger, who is not seeking re-election, says that there are too many unknowns about the compact and what impact it may have on federal health programs in Kansas, including Medicare for senior citizens.

The compact measure would allow member states to set their own health care policies while retaining federal health care dollars but only if Congress approves. The compact would allow participating states to exempt themselves from other federal rules in addition to the health overhaul’s regulations.

Brownback received the bill from legislative staff on Monday and has until April 24 to act on the measure.