Anti-Discr. Heathl Ins. Bill in Senate

Why the change?

The people that cheer on helmet laws should be absolutely giddy over insurance discrimination laws. That's what we all want, right? Safety and low rates are the keys to a happy life aren't they? Why should I pay for some idiot on a snowmobile that gets hurt? Why should my rates go up because a skier eats a tree? And if some moron is going to ride a motorcycle and get hurt, why is that MY problem? Ban em all I say! Get in your car with the 5 star rating and wear your seatbelt. Lets give the corrupt and morally bankrupt insurance industry even MORE reasons not to pay up. Like they don't have enough excuses. The author who wants us to "put your two bits in" should be on the side of the insurance people, judging by past posts. He certainly made clear that we shouldn't pay for people's right to choose. I wonder why he is so concerned about this? Since he has voiced his distaste of the AMA more than once, why even post anything from them? Did he become a mouthpiece for the AMA suddenly? Must be difficult to talk out your mouth and butt at the same time, but I guess some people make it an art form. Just remember that the same people you want to stick it the "them" are gonna stick it to YOU. Think about it.

Re: Anti-Discrimination Heathly Insurance Bill in Senate

I think the real problem here is that the loophole wasn't clear. There is absolutely nothing wrong with charging higher premiums from people who engage in riskier activities; nobody complains about higher life insurance premiums for smokers, right? If there's a higher chance that you'll hurt yourself and cost the insurance company more money, you should be paying more for insurance. What's bad is when someone THINKS he's covered, highsides it on the highway and runs up a 6-figure hospital bill, only to be denied coverage for something he thought was covered. That's what's morally reprehensible about the insurance industry- they'll take your premiums even if they have no intention of covering you. Charging more of everybody because some people engage in risky activities is socialism, pure and simple. That's not how we do it here in the U.S. Go to Canada if you want government-sponsored health care for all.

Re: Anti-Discrimination Heathly Insurance Bill in Senate

There is little chance the insurance industry will lose money by this.

As they do with any other issue, they determine their risk and either charge a premium that covers them, or they choose not to provide the coverage.

Case in point here in Florida, the Insurance Commissioner passed an edict that said insurance companies must cover damage causd by hurricanes, and they can't discriminate based on location, building character, yada, yada, yada.

The result? It's damn near impossible to get coverage, since most companies have either pulled out, or they are not writing new policies.

And Longride, how 'bout you holster the flamethrower when someone posts information that has import to the M/C world? Jeez. It isn't like you're not in a target-rich environment.

Re: Anti-Discrimination Heathly Insurance Bill in Senate

I sent the default email on the AMA website. I personally think it's bullsh!t that an insurance provider would deny coverage to those who engage in 'risky' behavior. If they are going charge a higher premium for those who do, how will the insurance company determine that rate? What if I ride my motorcycle to work everyday as a scuba instructor? Does that mean my insurance would be so high that I need to find a new line of work, or a new mode of transportation? Some of the idiots who post here would say that is my choice and I could just not have insurance. Well as anyone who has ever been injured can tell you, that isn't a good idea. The government does all kinds of stupid crap every day with the law, at least this one will ensure equal coverage for those who actually have insurance. Don't even get me started on the people without any insurance or money (and illegal immigrants) who cost us ALL when they get injured and the bill is picked up by the gov't.

Re: Anti-Discrimination Heathly Insurance Bill in Senate

In other words, what you are saying is that insurance companies only provide insurance when they make money hand over fist, right? The perception in Florida is that because of all the damage from hurricanes the insurance companies paid more than they took in. However, I like to point out that the federal government (aka you and me and everyone else) plus local and state government provided 10's of billions of $$ in aid (i.e. to pay the money that insurance companies should have paid). And let me point out this: it's not like hurricanes SUDDENLY appeared in Florida ...?! They've always been there, and always will. Just now the insurance companies have to pay out an amount that comes close to PARITY... something that CEO's that get paid million dollar salaries could not possibly fathom.

Re: Anti-Discrimination Heathly Insurance Bill in Senate

I have to disagree with you on that. Costs are out of control because modern medicine is a virtual monopoly. It is in fact very much protected by the Federal and State govts. It is highly subsidized by the govt and those subsidies are highly regulated. The Fed govt actually pays doctors to hook the elderly up to electric shock machines. It is the farthest thing from a free market.

When medicare was originally being debated some people were saying that govt subsidies for health care would only increase the cost of healthcare. If people were paying an average of $25 per visit a $25-per-visit subsidiy would result in a new cost level of $50 per visit. Those people were right. We now pay more than ever out-of-pocket plus we pay huge taxes to feed the allopathic beast.