Today in Sunday's Washington Post, right wing columnist Kathleen Parker lamented that Utah's governor Jon Huntsman wasn't going to be able to sabotage the Democrat's attempt at health care reform if he was sent to China as the ambassador.
Parker gushes over what Huntsman has "left behind," ignoring the fact that she's worshipping a plan that hasn't actually been implemented yet, so there is no way to judge it, and declares the Democratic version DOA.
After sorting thru 2 pages of her troweling on the caulk, I finally found the 2 relevant paragraphs- GIVE THE INSURANCE COMPANIES MORE MONEY!
Republican version of "real solutions.... "
One of the most crucial problems, locally and nationally, is that most of the uninsured earn low wages and often work in small firms. Thus, Utah has created an exchange focused on improving insurance options for them and leaves alone those who have good insurance today. And the exchange facilitates consumer choice based on price transparency, not government regulation and control.
One reform, for example, creates portable coverage -- insurance policies that workers can take with them when they leave or change jobs and that can be paid for with pre-tax dollars. Utah consumers also can pick the insurance program that best suits them, taking into consideration cost and level of benefits needed. To assist, the state launched a Web site where consumers can compare policies, pricing and financing, and sign up electronically -- all in one place.
I am going shopping at Walmart. But I have very little money. They won't let me buy anything that I might need because I might come shopping next month, when I'm dead broke. But I can have a lottery ticket ! The state is now giving me a list of all the Walmarts selling lottery tickets if I can find it on the internet with my computer. Is this cool, or what ? Who wants to come shopping with me ?
Here's the state of Utah's web site, called "Individual Health Quotes.com"
And here's the list of the Companies at the bottom:
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Anthem/Humana
Assurant
Aetna
Please fill out this form.
Height. Weight. Date of birth.
Do you smoke? Do you have any pre existing health conditions?
Privacy Notice: The information you provide using this form will be shared with agents who will contact you regarding your health insurance options. When you submit this form, you will be contacted by phone by these agents or their representatives.
Feel better now ?
The State Bird of Utah