Healthcare costs are escalating rapidly. More and more average Americans are shouldering increasing levels of that cost personally, in the form of co-pays, co-insurance, higher deductibles, and employee contributions to group plans. None of this is breaking news for anyone who’s been paying attention.
As an independent agent and co-owner of my own operation, I feel blessed to be able to help people shop multiple companies and plans so they can select coverage that fits their individual situation, needs, and budget. That range of choice and freedom is important. As is the ability to obtain the healthcare they need when they need it.
I sell policies from a number of different companies. Whatever works best for the individual or family. I sell Blue Cross. For some folks, it is the absolute best option. For others, it is the only option. It is a valuable part of my portfolio of offerings. However, I do not want it to be my ONLY offering. BCBSM (Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan) has an important role as one player among many in the free market. And that’s how it needs to stay.
Problem: I recieved an e-mail from an associate this morning alerting me to what appears to be the latest in a series of political machinations on the part of the BCBSM hierarchy aimed at reducing or eliminating the freedom of choice for Michigan citizens. Details are sketchy at this point, but I’ll post more as it becomes available. As for the gist of the email itself, I couldn’t say it better, so I’m passing it on.
The best we can do at this time is to speculate on the motives of BCBSM, however, their latest volley against their competitors and insurance agents is evil in nature. Apparently, BCBSM as in the past, has drafted their own bill regarding health insurance in Michigan and forwarded it to some willing democratic legislators in the State house of Representatives. It is speculated their intent was to hold it out of committee until the last minute, attach a bill number at the last minute (so their competitors, agents and agencies would not know what is going on) and move it to the floor of the house as an attachment to the State Budget. The budget must be passed in the next 10 days to avoid a State government shutdown. Because of the urgency of passing the state budget, it will sail through with nary a negative response. From the information we have heard the proposal will force the small group reform rules onto the individual health insurance business and up to 99 employees. This would destroy the individual health insurance business in Michigan.
The costs would rise dramatically and the public would clamor for State sponsored health care; And who would be there to take over a state sponsored health care program? You guessed it, BCBSM. Why? Because they are the biggest, and most experienced at dealing with large numbers and will convince the legislators with all their lobbyists. It is time for all agents and agencies to recognize that BCBSM is not the friend of Michigan Citizens no matter what Ernie Harwell says. It is time for all agents and agencies to recognize that BCBSM is first and foremost a political organization before they are an insurance provider. Their apparent proposal is a slap in the face to agents, agencies and Michigan citizens. They have nobody’s best interest but their own. WRITE, CALL, EMAIL, MAIL GO TO THE HOMES OF YOUR STATE SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVE AND TELL THEM THE BCBSM PROPOSAL IS UNACCEPTABLE TO YOU AND YOUR CLIENTS.
Good Luck.
