Is it up to the Federal gov't, or each state, as to how many Health Insurance Companies are allowed to compete?

in that state? I remember during an Obama speech he said that in Alabama, one insurance company has like 70% of the people insured. If the people of Alabama, or any other state, want MORE competition among their health insurers, isn't that THEIR right and responsibility? Thanks!
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Your viewpoint is in conflict with both the Democratic and the Republican thinking on this subject. Democrats want competition based on a common minimum set of standards that apply to all Americans and Republicans want insurance to be sold across state lines. The Republican proposal would leave the choice of state regulations to the insurance companies based on their domiciles but would affect people who live in other states. That of course would lead to insurance companies choosing states with few regulations but selling to people who live in highly regulated states. The Democrats are establishing a standard set of insurance requirements that would apply to all health insurance purchases. The current system of piecemeal state regulation is not working well. The current proposals are to offer more choices to the businesses and people who purchase health insurance rather than limiting health insurance choices based on state residence. More competition will help to lower cost.
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