Year: 2009
Resolution Number: 6
Action Taken: Approved as Amended
Status:
Author(s): Michael A. Genord, MD
Sponsor: Michael A. Genord, MD
On behalf of: Oakland County Delegation
Committee: B (Legislation)
Resolved Section(s):
RESOLVED: That MSMS request that the Michigan Congressional Delegation address mandating more vigorous investigations and challenges by U.S. governmental agencies of the present lack of competition in health insurance markets and of future health care insurance company mergers and consolidations; and be it furtherRESOLVED: That MSMS educate state senators and representatives about the ramifications to the people of Michigan presented by further consolidation of the insurance industry; and be it furtherRESOLVED: That MSMS seek more vigorous enforcement by state agencies of existing laws and the enactment of new laws intended to promote competition in Michigan’s health insurance market. RESOLVED: That MSMS seek more vigorous enforcement by state agencies of existing laws and the enactment of new laws intended to promote competition in Michigan’s health insurance market. REFERENCE COMMITTEE RATIONALE: The Committee discussed the impact that health plan mergers can have on medical communities. The Committee also discussed the lack of action by regulators to weigh in on such transactions in spite of negative consequences to the competitive environment within a health insurance market. The Committee concluded that an informed legislature is an important step in terms of holding regulators accountable in terms assuring sufficient competition in a given market. The Committee was supportive of the concept but made a minor change to the language to better reflect the intent of the resolution which may not require legislation.
RESOLVED: That MSMS request that the Michigan Congressional Delegation address mandating more vigorous investigations and challenges by U.S. governmental agencies of the present lack of competition in health insurance markets and of future health care insurance company mergers and consolidations; and be it furtherRESOLVED: That MSMS educate state senators and representatives about the ramifications to the people of Michigan presented by further consolidation of the insurance industry; and be it furtherRESOLVED: That MSMS seek more vigorous enforcement by state agencies of existing laws and the enactment of new laws intended to promote competition in Michigan’s health insurance market. RESOLVED: That MSMS seek more vigorous enforcement by state agencies of existing laws and the enactment of new laws intended to promote competition in Michigan’s health insurance market. REFERENCE COMMITTEE RATIONALE: The Committee discussed the impact that health plan mergers can have on medical communities. The Committee also discussed the lack of action by regulators to weigh in on such transactions in spite of negative consequences to the competitive environment within a health insurance market. The Committee concluded that an informed legislature is an important step in terms of holding regulators accountable in terms assuring sufficient competition in a given market. The Committee was supportive of the concept but made a minor change to the language to better reflect the intent of the resolution which may not require legislation.
Fiscal Note: NULL
Resolution: View PDF for Opposition of Insurance Company Mergers