In all the excitement about the Democratic Presidential contenders’ health care plans and platforms, I’d neglected to check on their competitors across the virtual aisle.
Fortunately, Bob Laszewski has already done this. The net? GOP candidates are paying very little attention to health care.
May
31
“Excitement” over the Democratic Presidential Contenders??? More like fear and panic over the onslaught of horribly conceived plans coming from these would-be-socialists. Healthcare providers, hospitals and networks alike should be worried over the proposals coming from the Democratic contenders.
Those of us on the more conservative side of politics are waiting for a candidate with some “common sense” to get in the race. Fortunately, it looks like Fred Thompson will be entering the race soon, and we will see what he contributes to the discussion.
Dorrence, you left patients out of your list of people who should be worried. Accident? I think not.
Govenor Edward G. Rendell for President!!!
http://www.insurepanow.org/
&
http://www.gohcr.state.pa.us/prescription-for-pennsylvania/index.html
Recent comments from Govenor Ed Rendell indicate that he is somehow “concerned” about the proposed merger between Highmark and Independence Blue Cross here in Pennsylvania…
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,114828.shtml
However, he also opposed a merger advisory board that would review the insurance merger, hire financial professionals to analyze transactions and make recommendations to the State Insurance Department.
http://insurancenewsnet.com/article.asp?a=ma&neID=20070524300.3_47ea0009d2d1db5f
Back in February Mr. Rendell basically said he’d give the contract to Highmark by saying that he wants to require nonprofit Blue Cross companies to offer coverage to the state’s 767,000 uninsured adults through a new program known as Cover All Pennsylvanians…
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07036/759549-114.stm
Now I know that the heading of this post was about presidential candidates but it seems to me that much of the real action is down at the state and regional level – at least here in Pennsylvania where we have the very real potential for a merger of two non profit blues that would allow the new Blue giant to be the THIRD LARGEST HEALTH INSURER IN THE COUNTRY – the two already control ~ 53% of the market in Pennsylvania…
http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_index.cfm?DR_ID=45259
What I find “funny” as in laughable (if it weren’t so serious) is the fact that the governor says one thing – yet does another. When he announced his “prescription for Pennsylvania” the CEO of Highmark stood right next to him but yesterday Mr. Rendell said that he was “concerned” about the merger all the while threatening to veto a senate bill that would further scrutinize the assembling of a monopoly. And then he turns around and calls Senate Bill 300 “socialized medicine”:
http://www.cumberlink.com/articles/2007/05/23/news/news900.txt
So maybe a deal has been cut. “You guys (Highmark and IBC) support my prescription to tax Pennsylvania and I’ll support your merger….
The plan here in Pennsylvania sounds great as in a great big stinky fish… Monopolies are great for healthcare and patients…