Posted on 08/03/2005 6:05:18 PM PDT by SierraWasp
Insurance Chief Criticizes Health Savings Accounts
Such plans that reduce benefits to save money are symptoms of the rising costs of health coverage, Garamendi says in a report.
By Debora Vrana Times Staff Writer
August 3, 2005
California's insurance commissioner plans to issue a report today criticizing health savings accounts and other "consumer-driven" insurance plans as part of the problem of spiraling costs — not the solution.
Saying the state's healthcare system is headed for a "complete breakdown," John Garamendi sharply attacked new insurance plans — including some backed by the White House — that offer reduced benefits to save money. These plans shift risk to consumers without solving the underlying problems, he said.
Garamendi, a Democrat who has said he would run for lieutenant governor in 2006, backs universal coverage as a key component to any solution. This would ensure every state resident has at least basic health coverage, either public or private.
One expert, however, noted this goal was far easier to advocate than to implement.
(snip)
Garamendi said the report by his staff, which examines the rising costs of healthcare in California and the growing numbers of uninsured, sets the stage for possible legislation to establish minimum coverage requirements for all health plans.
Once cost problems in the system are addressed, legislators will be better able to look at how to finance a universal coverage plan for California, he said.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
Oh! And note that he'll be running against Tom McClintock for Lt. Governor. This will be fun for Tom to blow up right in Garamendi's leftist face!!!
I'm lovin it!!!
Imagine the uproar when Democrats get around to mandating that everyone only eat whole grain bread and vegetables...
And when the price of vegetables skyrockets, the Democrats will nationalize all the farmland on the premise that only the government can solve the problem.
Oh, my head... where'd I put my aspirin?
For those of you unfamiliar with consumer driven healthcare, I suggest reading up on it (Google "Regina Herzlinger" to get a start). IMO it's the best chance we have for reducing healthcare expenses - not surprisingly by introducing free market concepts into the industry.
I spend a fair amount of each day explaining the benefits of Health Savings Accounts to both Employers and Employees! The former right hand man/flunky of Bruce Babbitt thinks he's finally found his issue that will give him a quantum leap to Lt. Governor, then FINALLY... The Governship he has tried for decades to win without success!!!
If they are insane enough to pass this, and Arnold isn't around to veto it, I'll be happy to sign on and help sink the system.
One of 'em worked her way onto the Board of Supervisors in Nevada County not too long ago as a write-in candidate!!! (That ain't easy, even in a small county!)
He seemed to think we should have a CONservancy overlay on the mountains (1/5th of CA) like the stupid Coastal CONservancy that he once criticized, threatened, then did NOTHING about!!!
I can't trust Arnold on this at all... I don't know about you...
Garamendi, a Democrat who has said he would run for lieutenant governor in 2006, backs universal coverage as a key component to any solution. This would ensure every state resident has at least basic health coverage, either public or private.
So on one hand he attacks the White House backed plan that may reduce benefits, then on the other hand he is all for the liberal socialist plan of only “basic” health care for everyone.
No Thanks!
The biggest "aromatherapy and acupuncture" in CA is comin outta that pinhead, Garamandi!!! Somebody needs to prick his ego!!! It would just go pissssssssssssssssssssssssssssss...
Let's derail this worn out ol punk before he gets up a head of steam!!! How 'bout it?
Sure good to see you're picken up what I been layin down on here!!!
Arnold's much, much better than any Dem would be here, but I've come to see him as being shy of spending his popularity (capital) if a stand is not a sure thing.
Funny to think of Arnold as lacking courage, but President Bush beats him hands down in the sticking to his guns category.
My company introduced the optional high-deductible plan with considerably lower premiums this year. Already, I have saved over $600.00 in my overall health care costs compared to this time last year. I'm a believer.
Garamendi! pffffffffft!
Everytime I hear his name, I think of Executive Life.
What a corrupt disaster that man is.
I might add, uses pesticides.
I had more than my fill of bug infested produce in the 40s.
I am having a hard time deciding whether it's Arnold or whether he has figured out the true character of the State's power voters and the power of the Leftist's Media....that Gerry Mandering roll back could change things for the better, ....otherwise the DemonicRats will keep things rolling their way!
I have an HSA and I love it. But don't count on the average CA voter to understand it.
(Denny Crane: "Sometimes you can only look for answers from God and failing that... and Fox News".)
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