Lawmakers respond to federal health care bill

March 24, 2010

Rep. Les Gara, far left, worked with Sen. Mark Begich on one portion of the health care reform bill. (Daniel Hernandez/KTUU-DT)

by Ted Land
Tuesday, March 23, 2010

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Democrats in the state capitol are praising President Barack Obama's landmark health care bill, which he signed Tuesday morning.

Republicans are still considering a resolution that opposes the bill.

Anchorage Democrat Rep. Les Gara actually played a role in changing federal law.

During a press conference, Gara pointed out a line in the national health care bill which allows states to provide extra money for Medicare payments in underserved regions where the federal reimbursement rate is too low.

That's a new measure, thanks in part to Gara and Sen. Mark Begich, who worked together to add it to the bill.

"We hope that's going to bring relief to people across the state who cannot see a doctor. It's an insult that you work your whole life and you get under Medicare and you cannot get a doctor to see you," Gara said.

Republicans, meanwhile, echoed nationwide concerns that the decision is yet another example of the federal government stepping on state's rights.

House Speaker Mike Chenault, R-Nikiski, did not specifically call for Alaska to join other states in a lawsuit, but says he's inclined to support legal action if there's a strong case.

Chenault also says lawmakers are re-tooling a resolution that opposes the reform.

"The issue of a one-size-fits-all doesn't work for the state. We have many different health care associations out there and, you know, you look at private business, both small and large corporations and the effects that it could have on them," Chenault said.

Also, Rep. Wes Keller, R-Wasilla, who co-chairs the Health and Social Services Committee, announced he's holding a meeting at the end of the month to examine the impact of the federal healthcare legislation on Alaska.

Gov. Sean Parnell released a statement following the vote which says the legislation is unconstitutional and "public policy at its worst."

Parnell's spokesperson said it was the governor's personal opinion.

Contact Ted Land at tland@ktuu.com

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