As the courts debate the constitutionality of the federal health care act, four state lawmakers, three of which are Republicans, want to make sure state statutes line up with the law. Representatives Pat Strachota, R-West Bend; Bob Ziegelbauer, I-Manitowoc; John Nygren, R-Marinette; and Erik Severson, R-Star Prairie, are introducing a bill that will eliminate differences between state and federal law when it comes to coverage of adult dependents. Since January 1, 2010, Wisconsin insurers have been required to cover adult children up to 27, provided they are unmarried and their employer doesn't offer insurance. The federal health law requires coverage up to age 26.  The authors say the differences between state and federal law, which went into effect in September 2010, have been a source of confusion for employers and employees. "It is imperative that we move forward quickly to make these changes despite the confusion that exists on the impact of recent judicial rulings on the federal health care law," write the authors in a memo circulated for sponsorship. "Employers and employees should not have to continue to deal with this administrative burden for the next several years while this battle makes its way to the Supreme Court." Additionally, in a break from the federal law, the bill retains current state law for full−time students who, before age 27, are called to active military duty while attending college.

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