RE: [Winona] It's the Insurance Companies

[Rich PFlughoeft]

There is no question that one of the biggest frustrations I face (as an employer) is dealing with health insurance benefits for my employees.   What value do I add to the health care system? Why am I stuck in the middle of this?   I wonder how much does it cost in business productivity to be stuck in the middle of the health care insurance system. Think of how many THOUSANDS of people are employed in Minnesota alone AS OVERHEAD simply to deal with and manage the companies health benefits. It is ridiculous. How much time and energy go into contract negotiations because of health insurance benefits?   Please understand, I believe everyone should have health insurance. I also believe that as an employer I should pay a fair wage (which I realize is a probable thread all unto itself). I just think it is about the most stupid system in the world to try to provide health insurance by expecting it to be provided by your employer.   [Rich PFlughoeft]     -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of Paul Double Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2003 7:59 PM To: Online Democracy Subject: [Winona] It's the Insurance Companies When will employer’s wake up and quit taking the heat from employees for the ridicules rate increases by the health insurance industry.   Both need to put the blame squarely on the group causing it – The Insurance Monopoly! The next time an insurance agent tells your business the rates went up – get rid of the agent!  The next time any elected board or council presents you with rates that exceed the published MCHA rates (the guaranteed rate used for individuals who have been declined by an insurance company for health reason) vote them out of office.  The next time an employee complains about their healthcare insurance cost give them the money and both they and you will get more value for less money and be much happier.   The providers aren’t getting the windfall.  Employers and employees are getting the shaft.  Check the top salaries of the “non-profit” insurance companies, the new metro clinics and administrative centers they are able to build, their vast advertising budgets and we love you touch and feel ads.  If the wellness programs save money then give us lower rates.    And maybe if all of us get mad enough we might even find that empowerment of the work force will not only provide better healthcare, at a lower cost and with a whole lot less aggravation.  Providers would much rather work for us than the insurance companies.   And if the drug companies want to fight the governor then let’s ask our Native American brothers and sisters to use their Sovereign Nation status and put drug stores next to every casino with wholesale drugs purchased through the Canadian tribes or even manufactured by the tribes in the “Sovereign Nations”.  Do the Sovereign Nations need Patent permission?     Outside the box again --- but wouldn’t that create some competition in the market place!     Paul Double