NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) A measure that would allow Tennessee to approach Congress about forming its own health care system has failed this year.

The proposal sponsored by Republican Rep. Mark Pody of Lebanon failed on a vote of 9-9 in the House Insurance and Banking Committee on Tuesday.

A similar measure failed during the final day of session last year. Like this one, it would have allowed Tennessee to join an interstate health care compact in seeking other options.

In defending his bill, Pody said it's wise to have other options for health care because of uncertainty about what it's going to look like down the road.

Opponents say it's unnecessary and that it might affect Tennessee's federal match for TennCare, the state's expanded Medicaid program, and other health care initiatives.

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Health care compact fails in House committee