MESSA 'reform' would cost the state more money

Undercutting MESSA (4.00 / 4)

I think undercutting MESSA is a very real possibility.  Read this MESSA link and this PDF file also from their site.  A "Let Locals Save" campaign in western Michigan gave misleading information on future rates in an effort to show that the Western Michigan Health Insurance pool was more cost effective than MESSA, when in reality MESSA cost 10% less.

Forcing MESSA to give up information on claims is not only a violation of patient confidentiality in my opinion, it also allows insurance companies to form pools that pick and choose healthier patients, thus undercutting MESSA. 

It makes me wonder if state Republicans aren't working for the insurance industry and trying to throw some work their way.  This might save taxpayers money in the short-term, but after securing contracts based on this cherry picked info, I'm sure the rates will rise at taxpayer expense.  Look what happened when Medicare Advantage plans were rolled out.  Payments to those private plans ended up costing taxpayers 12% more than they paid under traditional Medicare.  A good deal for the insurers and Republicans who get their donations, but not for taxpayers. 

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by: Kathy @ Sat Sep 29, 2007 at 10:10:11 AM CDT

I was under the impression (4.00 / 1)

That Aetna was pushing the GOP for a piece of MESSA's share.

Pleasing Aetna + the political payoff of busting MESSA = GOP nirvana.

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by: Z @ Sat Sep 29, 2007 at 10:14:23 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

That could be (4.00 / 3)

I had Aetna insurance at one time and hated it. I had to pay for "everything" up front and submit forms and receipts for reimbursement.  It was a hardship at times to come up with $50 for an office visit when one of my kids got sick in the winter and I was dealing with heating bills, the holidays, etc.

Anyway, I meant to add something about MESSA and the Republicans.  The 'Pubs want to turn this into a wedge issue - "how dare those darn teachers have such good health insurance at taxpayers expense."  Well, I say good for them, and I think taxpayers need to turn it around and say, "yep, they do, and I want equally good insurance too." 

The only thing we accomplish by allowing the Republicans to whittle away at our wages and benefits is a reduced standard of living, except for the shareholders, corporations and top 10% of Americans. 

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by: Kathy @ Sat Sep 29, 2007 at 10:59:12 AM CDT

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I have Aetna... (0.00 / 0)

Man, they suck.  Anything other than a routine doctor visit costs an arm and a leg.

A voice in my head tells me not to be so mean to the conservatives.  I work very hard to ignore that voice.

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by: djtyg @ Sat Sep 29, 2007 at 16:54:32 PM CDT

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Oh joy... (4.00 / 1)

The next 'reform' in the next budget battle (which starts in 3 months

You're such an optimist, Z! We have nine more months of stonewalling and asshattery to look forward to! Fortunately it's an election year and maybe we can get rid of some of these clowns.

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by: PerfectStormer @ Sat Sep 29, 2007 at 11:41:59 AM CDT

Hopefully.... (0.00 / 0)

After the taxes are dealt with, it won't be a big deal.

A voice in my head tells me not to be so mean to the conservatives.  I work very hard to ignore that voice.

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by: djtyg @ Sat Sep 29, 2007 at 16:55:58 PM CDT

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