INDIANAPOLIS -- Some Indiana lawmakers want to follow Missouri's lead to reject a portion of the national health care law.

On Tuesday, Missouri voters approved a referendum to exempt themselves from the requirement to purchase health insurance.

While Hoosiers don't have the power to put referendums on the ballot, the Legislature could enact a similar exemption in Indiana, 6News' Norman Cox reported.

Some Indiana House Republicans said they are asking in their constituent polls whether Hoosiers want to repeal the insurance mandate.

"I think that Hoosiers certainly would support the same idea that the Missourians supported," said Rep. Jeffrey Espich, R-Uniondale. "They don't like socialized medicine. They don't like being forced to a health plan that may give them less rather than what they've got now."

While the Missouri Hospital Association tried to defeat the referendum, the Indiana Hospital Association said it would not take a stand on a hypothetical issue.

An association representative said Indiana hospitals generally support the insurance requirement because it reduces the free care they have to give to uninsured patients.

Doctors, on the other hand, have been focally divided on the issue across the country.

Indianapolis Medical Society President John Ellis said the group probably wouldn't take a position on a potential repeal bill.

"You'll find some physicians who are strongly in favor of doing whatever they can to get rid of the current health care plan and other ones who feel that it's a good thing and if everybody doesn't participate it won't work because it can't be afforded," he said.

Experts said whether Indiana pursues an exemption from the mandate probably depends on who wins the House in November.

If Republicans win, they'll have control of both chambers and the governor's office and will probably do it, but if Democrats retain control, the idea won't go anywhere.

The outcome of the Missouri referendum is expected to be challenged in court.