Bosse says bariatric surgery bill example of ‘Bob Clegg’s Nanny State’

Grant Bosse (R-Hillsboro) is taking aim at state Sen. Bob Clegg's (R-Hudson) support for a bill that would require insurance companies to cover bariatric surgery, also known as gastric bypass.

Clegg had the weight loss surgery last year and Gov. Lynch signed Clegg's bill earlier this week. In an editorial in The Union Leader Clegg said the bill will save money and lives.

"Preventative treatment of obesity-related illness saves money and lives," Clegg wrote. "We have one of the best health care systems in the world, but at a time when health care costs are becoming prohibitive, perhaps we need to consider a dose of common sense. Otherwise we are just being penny-wise and pound-foolish."

Bosse criticized Clegg's bill for increasing government regulation on insurance companies.

"He defends ever-increasing government regulation because private health insurance companies actually look to make a profit. But the micromanagement of Bob Clegg's Nanny State isn't about improving access; it's about having government make decisions best left to patients and doctors," Bosse said in a statement.

Also read: Bob Clegg's Bariatric Bill Becomes Law