House Bill 650 Passes Out of the Senate

Frankfort, KY: Governor Ernie Fletcher's efforts to make Kentucky's health care insurance market more competitive are poised to be signed into law with the passage of House Bill 650 by the full Senate yesterday.  The bill passed with an overwhelming majority.

"I appreciate the Senate's swift action and tremendous support on House Bill 650.  Clearly, there is a bipartisan consensus to make Kentucky's health insurance market more competitive.  I look forward to signing the bill into law,” stated Governor Ernie Fletcher.

Governor Fletcher wrote in his Prescription for Kentucky that "the lack of competition (in Kentucky's health insurance market) has led to higher premiums and limited access.  As Governor, I will work to enhance Kentucky's health insurance market to bring back competition, which will ultimately lower rates and increase access.”

The Governor also plans to convene a forum with health insurance providers to determine what other measures must be taken to bring competition back to Kentucky's insurance market.

"My administration will continue to work to bring greater competition back to Kentucky's health insurance market.  The passage of HB 650 was a first, yet significant, step in achieving that goal,” continued the Governor.

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