Is Orrin Hatch Conservative?

Our take: What started as a way to help the marketplace, and uninsured children, State Children's Health Insurance, or SCHIP, turned into a program that grew the government. And growing the government, is not something conservatives want to do, but this program started by Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, self-proclaimed conservative, is not only hurting the marketplace but creating questions as to where Hatch stands politically.

Responding to incentives provided by SCHIP, many Americans have shifted from private health-care plans to government-run programs. States could afford to spend increasing amounts on childrens health insurance because the states paid only 31 percent of the bill. The federal government paid the rest. And when states exceeded the federal governments cap on spending, which they routinely did, they were rewarded with extra funds, lest Washington be accused of allowing children to suffer.

Not surprisingly, states have abused the system, expanding insurance programs beyond the original intent of the bill. New York, for example, has extended insurance to families of four earning up to $92,200 a year. The federal government and, indirectly, the other 49 states were required to fund Albanys largesse. Governments increasing involvement in health insurance increases the cost of medical care when there is no incentive to contain costs. Private health insurers cant compete with government programs, whose fees are hidden in higher taxes, and which seem to pay for everything no cost.

Read more about Hatch's SCHIP program on National Review.