Detroit Free Press:
Michigan’s insurance commissioner has approved a 4.7% interim increase in Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Medigap policies for 210,000 seniors.
Ken Ross also approved an average 22% rate hike for individual and group conversion policies purchased by 163,000 individuals outside the workplace.
Customers won’t be billed for the increases until Oct. 1, according to Helen Stojic, Blue Cross spokeswoman.
Still pending is a full rate hike request by Blue Cross to raise senior rates an average of 31%. A Sept. 14 hearing is scheduled before a Lansing administrative law judge.
Staffers with Michigan’s Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation argue that the rate hike in Medigap plans could be as low as 1.6% because of lower costs trends and because Blue Cross does not collect a 1% subsidy to offset Medigap losses from employers, as allowed for by state law. If they win, customers could get a refund.
So 22% isn't enough for some seniors, they're looking for 31%. Put down your stupid "OBAMA=HITLER" signs, stop chanting "Read the Bill! Read the bill!" when you know damned well that you haven't, and stop yelling crap some talk radio moron told you to yell.
This is undeniably a problem and it's happening all over the country. Tell us your solution or admit you have nothing to add to the conversation.
