LANSING, Mich. (AP) — State legislators are divided over a plan requiring Michigan insurers to tell policyholders the impact of the federal health care law on their premiums.
Legislation awaiting a vote in the Republican-led House would require that insurers give annual estimates of the overhaul's effect on premiums.
Republican Rep. Mike Shirkey of Clark Lake says people deserve to know the law's ramifications. He also wants to insulate insurers from being blamed for premium increases.
But Democrats say the bill is nothing more than a political ploy.
They say if insurers are required to tell people about the law's cost, they should also explain its benefits. Insurers must cover 10 essential benefits that will make plans more costly buy also more comprehensive. Plans also cannot charge more money because of pre-existing conditions.
Hans Ahlström is the host of several programs including the daily musical variety show Weekday, the mostly straight ahead jazz show Night Studio, the self explanatory Blues Today, and the eclectic Sound Spectrum. You can also hear Hans as the local host of NPR's All Things Considered news magazine. He also helps manage Public Radio 90's web content, interviews local and visiting writers and artists, works with NMU student interns, and writes the occasional news story.