Any measures that might make healthcare markets more competitive (and bring down premiums) are being fought tooth and nail by the Blues, according to this piece. (Hat tip Jameson Taylor) Tell us something we didn’t know.
The same thing is happening in N.C. The Blues like the status quo because they enjoy a virtual monopoly here. But as they protect the status quo, waffle on mandates, and generally behave in their short term interests, they are providing fodder for the left to make the grand 2008 pitch for a single payer system. And the Blues have everything to lose if the left has its way.
So here’s a message to Blue Cross Blue Shield: fight for deregulation. Yes, you’ll have to compete like a real company, not a protected monolith that benefits from the regs. But at least you won’t go the way of the dinosaur. Such is your choice, as no one – neither the left nor the right – is prepared to keep the current system. Something’s got to give.
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