Measure to allow sales of out-of-state health insurance plans gets panel’s blessing
The bill, sponsored by Sen.
"This should introduce more competition into our insurance marketplace. The intended result is to lower premiums and offer better choice," Foreman told the
No one testified against the bill, and the committee gave it a favorable recommendation on a unanimous voice vote. However, even supporters were hard-pressed to say it would make much difference.
"We don't believe this bill is a panacea for driving down health insurance premiums," said
There already are about 680 companies licensed to sell insurance in
"So then the question is, why do this? What's the advantage?" Cameron asked. "Those are public policy questions you need to answer. Where this might be successful is in metropolitan areas that cross state borders, such as in
The real difficulty for out-of-state firms, he said, is in establishing a provider network.
"That's not an easy task," he said. "And what's most important for carriers to get the lowest (premiums) is their provider contracts. You can wipe out all the barriers in the world, but if they can't get providers to sign contracts, they won't be successful."
This is Foreman's first bill to get out of committee. It now goes to the full
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Spence may be contacted at [email protected] or (208) 791-9168.
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