TN bill pushes interstate health insurance

The theory is pretty simple: If people could shop for health insurance in states across the country, they would end up finding a plan that better fits their needs, the competition would drive down premiums, and more people would be able to afford coverage. That is the essence of legislation authored by Rep. Marsha Blackburn that was the subject of a spirited hearing on Wednesday before the House Energy and Commerce Committee's subcommittee on health. Democratic members of the committee and witnesses representing the Obama administration and the American Cancer Society attacked the proposal, arguing that it would weaken oversight of insurance companies and lump people with serious illnesses into insurance with far higher premiums. Senate Republicans stand by plan to overhaul Medicare