[The Pack Knight]

Here's something scary. If the government can compel you to get health care or health insurance, they can compel you to get annual medical examinations..... including.... PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS....

Reminds me of this classic video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdAm6UY4xOE

Also, here's one thing I've been wondering about. The states, of course, already have copious bodies of insurance law, both in statute and in the common law. Does this act completely preempt state insurance law in the context of medical insurance? For instance, does the ban on discrimination on the basis of "preexisting conditions" overturn the doctrine of fortuity?

I still haven't had time to read much of the bill, and I don't know how narrowly the courts will read any preempting provisions in the health care act. It's an interesting question, though, because interaction between the federal law and state insurance law could produce some unpredictable results.

[P-Marlowe]

Does this act completely preempt state insurance law in the context of medical insurance?

Indeed it does. All medical insurance policies must be in accordance with (as yet undetermined) federal mandated regulations.

Policies which do not cover such items as sex changes, bo-tox for congresswomen, abortions, assisted suicide, HIV, psychiatric treatment, chiropractic treatment; accupuncture, aromatherapy, and other as yet to be determined necessities of life will not be allowed to be sold anywhere in the United States.

But of course Obama just signed an EO indicating that "federal funds" will not be used for abortion (but that will not stop the regulators from insisting that all policies written must cover abortion).