WSJ’s ‘Health Blog’ Examines Arizona Ballot Measure That Would Prohibit Universal Health Coverage

The Wall Street Journal's "Health Blog" on Wednesday examined a measure that will appear next month on Arizona's ballot that, if passed, would amend the state's constitution to say that no law "shall impose any penalty or fine, of any type, for choosing to obtain or decline health care coverage or for participation in any particular health care system or plan." According to the Journal's "Health Blog," the ballot measure, Proposition 101, would block a proposal for universal health care sponsored by state House Minority Leader Phil Lopes (D). Lopes in a recent newspaper opinion piece argued that the measure would protect private insurers from needed changes and could block current regulations, such as a requirement that insurers maintain minimum solvency criteria. Gov. Janet Napolitano (D) also has said the measure could force the state to cover the out-of-network care costs for Medicaid beneficiaries, which would drive up costs of the program (Goldstein, "Health Blog," Wall Street Journal, 10/29).