In the Green Room: Utah’s Gov. Herbert on DC ‘Freezing Out the States’ Over Health Reform

Posted November 12th, 2009 at 5.25pm in Health Care.

It’s simple: “Our approach in Utah is to give consumers more choice,” said Governor Herbert during a Heritage Foundation visit earlier this week. “If we can put them in the control position where they’re spending dollars that are their own, they’re going to make better choices.”

Similarly, the Governor believes that States, not the federal government will be better at fixing what ails America’s health care system. “It really ought to be the states leading on health care reform,” he said. In fact, “states want to be partners” with the federal government, but “the states are being frozen out by the establishment here in Washington DC in their zeal to get something in place.”

Governor Herbert thinks we should take advantage of the 50 state laboratories to test innovative solutions and determine what works over the long term. “As opposed to Washington DC which has one shot at getting it right and finding something that fits for everybody.” That approach “never works,” said Herbert.

The online health exchange now being used in Utah puts the consumer in the driver seat, allowing him to make informed decisions about his health care. “It’s kind of like a Travelocity.com. You have an opportunity to look at many different plans…to find the one that will work for you and your family.”

“I think it’s going to be a significant step in the right direction of private sector competition.”

Author: Gerrit Lansing
Interact: Sphere
Share This

11 Comments

November 12, 2009 J.C. Hughes, Texas writes:

Bravo! Great interview. I would add that states ARE empowered. Concerned governors should pull together and bring this federal legislative transgression on healthcare before the U.S. Supreme Court. It’s a ripe constitutional affront on states’ rights. The current U.S. congressional leaderships’ efforts have been totally unnecessary and improper, this in addition to being completely irresponsible. Such social entitlement and/or welfare issues belong solely at the state and local levels of governance. We need for U.S. legislators to amend the U.S. Constitution to forever ban any federal involvement in healthcare and other social matters that are not directly connected to national defense.

November 13, 2009 Howard Hatch, Joseph, Utah writes:

This is a great idea and should be followed up on by other states. Bravo to Gov. Herbert!!!

November 13, 2009 Susan, Detroit writes:

Right on ! Governor Herbert is right. Health Care should be regulated by the states not the feds. And let the consumer pick what they want. And we citizens help those who need some assistance through local regulations. I fear the feds are using health care as a method to tax us more and destroy the middle class. The feds want the citizens to be serfs and they be our rulers. I do not want to live a 14th century life style.

November 13, 2009 Ben C., Ann Arbor MI writes:

If Congress wants to do something constructive in health care - commission a group to develop a “universal health care claim form” to be used by all insurance companies. Otherwise, MD’s will be hiring a plethora of secretaries to keep track and fill out all of the hundreds of forms submitted to their office. It would drive me crazy. But then Obama will take credit for the “job creation.”

November 13, 2009 Aaron, New York writes:

It WILL be a “significant step in the right direction” if the Federal Government doesn’t kill it first.

November 13, 2009 Bobbie Jay writes:

Isn’t this treason? The American government “compete” with the people they lead? with government’s force obligation of the people to pay it’s way? If any member of government wants to compete, it should be with their income, not ours! stop this!

November 13, 2009 In the Green Room: Utah’s Gov. Herbert on DC ‘Freezing Out the States’ Over Health Reform | Conservative Principles Now writes:

[...] « Outside the Beltway: California’s Nightmare the Future for Other States? Democrats who served with Bagger praise his skills, demeanor [...]

November 14, 2009 joan, connecticut writes:

Governor Herbert, has the right idea for health care. The Pelosi bill, places a burden on all citizens, and forces them to purchase it,or else be threatened with a fine or jail. Is this the change we were promised last election day? The states have rights under the Constitution, but Washington is taking them away amendment by amendment. Freedom of speech is under attack,as are Gun rights. I do not see any amendment that gives Washington the right to force American citizens to buy Health Insurance. Can anyone enlighten me as to where this is written in the Constitution of THE United States?I would appreciate it because I have looked carefully and cant find it.

November 14, 2009 Lynn, austin writes:

What common sense he offers!!! The creation of our Constitution was never intended for a country to be run by the government.

Please sign http://www.impeachobamacampaign.com

November 16, 2009 Jemerin writes:

Nice post, thanks for sharing this wonderful and usefull information with us.

Green Tea

November 17, 2009 Brett, Utah writes:

What exactly was his proposal? More choice? Great quote but exactly how do you give those with little income more choice. Check with the Governor and ask him the details of his plan. It appears to me that it is still employer based which is the real problem when most employees are don’t stay with a single company and have many opportunities to be uninsured.

50 laboratories would be great but what have they come up with in the last 30 years that we have been discussing this. Massachusettes is the only one that has ventured out and really tried to address the issue. Stop with the silly platitudes and get some specifics from these guys.

The Heritage Foundation - Leadership for America

The Foundry