Article: Senators refuse to change state constitution ; What's next?The Senate Labor, Health and Social Services Committee rejected a Senate resolution to amend the Wyoming Constitution for freedom of choice in health care and to prohibit laws that interfere with health-care choice. Senators raised concerns over the unintended consequences and whether the alteration would prohibit lawmakers from regulating insurance policies.

By Michelle Dynes

mdynes@wyomingnews.com

CHEYENNE - The language may not seem controversial, but lawmakers worry about the repercussions of adding freedom of choice in health care to Wyoming's Constitution.

On Wednesday, the Senate Labor Health and Social Services Committee rejected Senate Joint Resolution 3 to avoid unintended consequences.

Supporters say the proposed constitutional amendment protects the right to choose a private health-care plan. Opponents respond that the vague proposal puts patients at risk for unregulated and unlicensed insurance policies.

"As I read this, it's very appealing," said Tim Summers from AARP. "(But) don't we already have freedom of choice in health care? ...

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