The state takes over health insurance to make insurance more affordable? The house passed an insurance exchange plan yesterday which essentially will act as a broker to make health insurance more “affordable.”
Someone grab the smelling salts, the health care committee needs to come-to.
Within months, the state will establish the Oregon Health Insurance Exchange as a public corporation governed by a nine-member board. It will be charged with offering small businesses and individuals insurance plans in an exchange by Jan. 1, 2014.
Quote of the day:
Rep. Mitch Greenlick, D-Portland, co-chair of the health committee, said the exchange will create a marketplace with fair competition, which does not exist now.
If a “fair” “marketplace” doesn’t exist now shouldn’t we take up with these guys?
As Steve Buckstein of Cascade Policy Institute testified in his understated way,
In order to make such decisions meaningful, Oregonians should have more insurance plan options than the state currently allows. As I testified here on March 7th in favor of HB 2977, Oregonians should be allowed to purchase any policy offered in other states by companies licensed to sell insurance in those states. I’m sure that DCBS concerns about putting these companies on a level regulatory playing field with companies already approved to sell insurance in Oregon can be satisfied.
Show of hands: how many really think the state will allow insurance companies across state lines to be a part of a larger array of plans open to Oregonians? (Isn’t it nice that the state feels it’s in charge of your health insurance?)
Buckstein goes on:
The exchange should also be open to approving new policies offered within Oregon that do not include all the current state mandates. Whatever decisions are made at the national level regarding the so-called “Essential Health Benefits” package, Oregon should be a leader in allowing our citizens as much choice as possible consistent with full disclosure. This will allow the exchange to satisfy the needs of consumers who want more affordable insurance choices as well as those who want more comprehensive coverage.
Show of hands: who else thinks that the state won’t add on all of its mandates on any new company which MAY be allowed to “compete.” Anyone? Anyone?
Taking over the private sector to preserve the market? Where have I heard that before. Government will provide more of a market? Are they kidding?
The Zero also gullibly reports:
It is one of two bills key to Oregon’s health reform efforts. The other, House Bill 3650, which is still in committee, would foster teams of doctors, nurses and other providers focused on primary and preventive care to reduce costs, improve quality and simplify health care.
But I’m sure they’ll force companies to cover sex change operations. Thank goodness.
This is where it’s going: Health insurance becomes a right. Health care is further commoditized. Doctors don’t treat patients, they treat widgets. Or else. Got it.
