It sounds like a great idea. More competition leads to lower prices. It’s the free market in action, right?

President Trump is onboard with it.

Don't worry, getting rid of state lines, which will promote competition, will be in phase 2 & 3 of healthcare rollout. @foxandfriends

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 7, 2017

He called for cross-state insurance in his address to a joint session of Congress last month.

It seems to be an article of faith among Republicans in Congress, too. A stalwart conservative like Sen. Ted Cruz thinks it’s a good idea:

“First, we should allow consumers to purchase insurance across state lines. This would create a true 50-state marketplace, driving down costs for everyone. If California wants to mandate that every California insurance company must offer only top-of-the-line comprehensive coverage—driving up premium costs by thousands of dollars—then California consumers should also be able to buy insurance licensed in other states, without the mandates.”

No, no, no! Purchasing a health care policy is not the same as purchasing airline tickets or downloading a movie from iTunes.

Let people who study and actually deal with health insurance explain why this is not a good idea.