AMA to Reconsider Support of Health Insurance Requirement

AMA to reconsider support of health insurance requirement

Faction contends key tenet of overhaul legislation is "a matter of individual responsibility to be encouraged by the use of tax incentives and other noncompulsory measures"

By Bruce Japsen, Chicago Tribue staff reporter

7:59 a.m. CDT, June 16, 2011

A divided American Medical Association will consider withdrawing its support of a key tenet of the health overhaul law that requires Americans to purchase an insurance plan.

The Chicago-based national doctors group, which represents nearly a quarter-million physicians, is being asked by several medical societies within the organization to change its stance in favor of the "individual mandate." A formal vote comes up at the AMA's annual policymaking House of Delegates meeting Saturday through Wednesday at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.