IMR bills are bad for Michigan

Attorney General Cox says: Keep the heat on, Blues IMR bills are bad for Michigan

(October 21, 2008)  The Michigan legislature could convene for a special meeting during the holidays to consider the controversial Individual Market Reform bills sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield, according to Michael Cox, Michigan Attorney General.

Cox authored a guest commentary, "Keep an eye on expensive Blue Cross Proposal," that appeared in the Oct. 18 edition of The Grand Rapids Press.

Along with Priority Health, AARP, the UAW, Consumers Union and many others, Cox opposes House Bills 5282-5285 because they will make health care more expensive and remove oversight of Blue Cross rates.

"Don't take your eye off Lansing during the holidays," Cox urged. "Be sure to ask your legislators where they stand."

Read the entire Cox commentary now.

Surrounded by controversy
The original Blues-preferred Individual Market Reform legislation bills were rushed through and passed by the House in October 2007 after just 12 days. The Senate subsequently tackled the controversy that ensued. After months of discussion and work, they passed redrafted versions in June, which Priority Health endorsed as a fair compromise. These bills were returned to the House but didn't pass. Instead, a work group was formed to restudy the legislation, and that's where it's been since.