Things are playing out just as one might predict in the Massachusetts small business and individual insurance market. The Insurance Commissioner turned down proposed rate increases, the state's insurers appealed to the courts, and now they can't write policies.Perhaps more concerning is what Dennis Byron, a commenter on Mr. Levy's blog says about insurance exchanges:
I care because I am one of those that has been cancelled by my insurer (Fallon) solely I believe because I am an individual, have been told to go to the exchange, but the exchange does not work. This is a perfect example of why you don't want the guys that run the Registry running your health care.If nothing else, this exposes the risks inherent to mandating unproven policy initiatives on a national scale that have yet to be even worked out in a single state.
*Sigh*
-Wes
And watch how many Americans will 'game the system' similar to what is already happening in Massachusetts.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.boston.com/news/health/articles/2010/04/04/short_term_customers_boosting_health_costs/?page=1
You may also want to pay some attention to the pending bill in the MA legislature that requires ALL doctors to take a state-approved insurance plan as a condition of having a medical license. Think that's bad? It caps rates in the plan at 110% of Medicare and forbids balance billing. And it looks like it's going to pass. That's the end of medicine for us if it passes, it is far, far worse than single payer. Truly unbelievable.
ReplyDeletePhysicians:
ReplyDeletePhysicians and their patients need an alternative to the AMA
Now more than ever:
It is imperative to have a strong, national coalition of physicians to represent all doctors and their patients.
Now more than ever:
We need a coherent voice speaking in Washington on behalf of the medical profession and the doctor-patient relationship.
Docs 4 Patient Care is working hard to become that alternative.
What began as a grassroots movement of physicians focused on common-sense approaches to health care reform has evolved into a quickly expanding push to be an alternative to the AMA. We recently established a Political Action Committee and after multiple visits to Washington, we have gained strong recognition within the DC establishment.
We are growing quickly. We have secured physician members in every state and include every specialty. Our Illinois chapter is in the process of being established and we invite you to join us for a meeting in your area to discuss the future of your profession with local members.
Meeting information:
Tuesday, April 13, 7 pm
Renaissance North Shore Hotel
933 Skokie Boulevard
Northbrook, IL
(Ruth's Chris Steakhouse is in the building)
Please come!!!