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L.D. 1865/Rule 755
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Jaime D'Errico
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Mar 08, 2004 13:01 PST
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On Wednesday, March 10, at 1:00 p.m., the Insurance and Financial
Services Committee is holding a work session to consider L.D. 1865,
which proposes adoption of major substantive Rule 755, dealing with
minimum standards for health insurance products.
While the law empowers the Bureau of Insurance to issue a rule
establishing minimum standards for health insurance products, it does
not require those standards to be set so low. The proposed rule is truly
out of sync with the policies of Governor John Baldacci, who has
demonstrated his commitment to quality, affordable health care.
The coverage described in Rule 755 can hardly be considered health
insurance. Either the coverage is applicable to only one set of health
services, or it has exorbitant deductibles and coinsurance.
Coverage under Rule 755 leaves people vulnerable. Instead of containing
the cost of health care, this coverage would shift the risk to
subscribers. If this rule were adopted, many people in Maine would be
lured into buying coverage that is inadequate for their needs.
Clearly, adoption of this rule as drafted takes health policy in Maine
down the wrong path. It would make it far more difficult to support good
coverage at affordable rates. There is no doubt that it would undercut
efforts to market the Dirigo Health product.
Please contact members of the Insurance and Financial Services Committee
immediately and ask them to vote ought not to pass.
senLloyd.L-@legislature.maine.gov
neriado-@adelphia.net
artm-@gwi.net
chri-@maine.rr.com
canavan.wtvl.net
KJJJP-@aol.com
RepBonita-@legislature.maine.gov
RepAnne-@legislature.maine.gov
gly-@maine.rr.com
Fl-@ainop.com
RepL-@megalink.net
repmav-@hotmail.com
RGWoo-@aol.com
Michelle A. Small, Esq.
Director of Programs and Policy
Consumers for Affordable Health Care
39 Green Street
P.O. Box 2490
Augusta, ME 04338-2490
207.622.7083 Foundation
207.622.7045 Coalition
207.622.7077 Fax
www.mainecahc.org
Advocating the right to health care for every man, woman and child.
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