Comments on: “Individual Market Reforms: Data for a Few More PowerPoint slides” by Nancy Turnbull http://commonhealth.wbur.org/nancy-turnbull/2008/09/individual-market-reforms-data-for-a-few-more-powerpoint-slides-by-nancy-turnbull/ CommonHealth Sat, 20 Mar 2010 18:13:19 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Jon Hurst http://commonhealth.wbur.org/nancy-turnbull/2008/09/individual-market-reforms-data-for-a-few-more-powerpoint-slides-by-nancy-turnbull/comment-page-1/#comment-7792 Jon Hurst Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:16:43 +0000 http://commonhealth.wbur.org/?p=626#comment-7792 Hi Nancy, I say "Yes" to revisiting community rating, as long as you are talking about small group as well. As you know, unlike individuals, and presumably unlike big government and big business, small businesses and their employees have continued to see double digit increases. (I say presumably because just try getting those premium numbers for large group and ERISA plans for a fair apples to apples comparison. A real tough and questionable situation given mandated coverage). If revisiting community rating would bring in more competition into the marketplace, that would be a good thing for all consumers. Perhaps some for- profit insurers could shake up the marketplace and would be a bit less cozy with our "non-profit" hospitals. We remain very concerned that small employers and their employees are subsidizing other purchasers, and we need clear premium transparency and/or regulation to prevent this. I would also like to see what the Connector will be doing to prevent small group plans (when they are finally offered) from subsidizing in any way the taxpayer supported plans. Thanks for the analysis and raising the important question. Jon Hurst Hi Nancy,
I say “Yes” to revisiting community rating, as long as you are talking about small group as well. As you know, unlike individuals, and presumably unlike big government and big business, small businesses and their employees have continued to see double digit increases. (I say presumably because just try getting those premium numbers for large group and ERISA plans for a fair apples to apples comparison. A real tough and questionable situation given mandated coverage). If revisiting community rating would bring in more competition into the marketplace, that would be a good thing for all consumers. Perhaps some for- profit insurers could shake up the marketplace and would be a bit less cozy with our “non-profit” hospitals. We remain very concerned that small employers and their employees are subsidizing other purchasers, and we need clear premium transparency and/or regulation to prevent this. I would also like to see what the Connector will be doing to prevent small group plans (when they are finally offered) from subsidizing in any way the taxpayer supported plans. Thanks for the analysis and raising the important question.

Jon Hurst

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