Although much of the Election Day focus centered around the presidential and congressional elections last week, voters in several states also cast their ballots on various insurance-related issues. Topics ranging from the individual mandate to insurance exchanges were left to state voters. However, in many states, voters considered measures that were merely symbolic referendums on the health reform law and have no legislative impact since federal law trumps state law.
Here's a roundup of the outcomes of those issues voted on Election Day.
In Alabama, voters passed Amendment 6, which prevent state residents from being forced to participate in any healthcare system, including one established under the reform law, Alabama Live reported.
Meanwhile, Florida voters rejected a measure that would have blocked the health reform law's individual mandate, reported The Wall Street Journal. The constitutional amendment would have been void, however, since the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the reform law in June.
Voters in Missouri passed a measure prohibiting state officials from creating a health insurance exchange unless they obtained approval from the General Assembly, according to the St. Louis Beacon.
More than 67 percent of Montana residents voted to prohibit state government officials from requiring that everyone buy health insurance, the Associated Press reported.
In Wyoming, state residents passed a constitutional amendment that says individuals have "the right to make healthcare decisions" and can make direct payment for healthcare services, the Casper Star-Tribune reported.
To learn more:
- read the Wall Street Journal article
- see the St. Louis Beacon article
- check out the Casper Star-Tribune article
- read the Alabama Live article
- see the Associated Press article