Brightbill Comments on Governor's Announcement Regarding Blues

 

“We are very supportive of providing health care for the uninsured -- it was, after all, a Republican legislature working with a Republican governor who created the groundbreaking Adult Basic insurance program.  However, we have serious concerns about today’s announcement.

 

“First, this announcement is part of an unwritten deal in which the Rendell Administration will approve future rate increases for Blue Cross plans.

 

“Additionally, it really amounts to the imposition of a hidden tax on the Blues and the people who pay for and rely on their services.  It will lead to even higher insurance rates for both employers and employees -- and it will compound the problem of skyrocketing health care costs by yielding more uninsured, not help solve the problem.

 

“Access to quality health care is probably the most important issue facing Pennsylvania and the entire nation, and state government should be finding ways to encourage employers to offer insurance, not making it more expensive.

 

“Finally, on complex issues like the cost of health care, collaborative discussions lead to a better result. Input from the employers who pay the premiums, and employees who pay high deductibles and co-pays, should have been part of the process.  Instead, we’re told that the Blues were specifically instructed by the Rendell Administration not to discuss any details of the negotiation with other parties.”