re: #45 calochortus

Actual conversation on another site when a conservative announced she was disappointed that the healthcare bill didn’t include buying policies across state lines:

I await her reply. Which could be a while as people come and go, so many discussions aren’t real-time.

And the conversation continues:

Her: Take Blue Cross. It has to have a different plan for Nebraska than for Texas. IF one can buy across state lines, which, btw, is something both Republicans and Democrats in Congress support, then Blue Cross might not have to write so many different plans. The ability for those living close to state lines to buy across state lines creates competition, which can have the effect of bringing down costs.

Me: And that means that states can’t regulate health care insurance in their own states. Besides, how many people live on state borders near towns in the next state with a good assortment of doctors and hospitals so they can cross the border for all their medical needs?
I don’t think that is what is meant by selling across state lines. They mean that insurance companies can headquarter themselves in one or two states and write policies they can sell to anyone in any state. Just like what happened with credit cards. That worked out really well for consumers.

We’re getting into willful ignorance territory. I’ve linked to a couple sources that say selling across state lines isn’t going to save anyone money. But I’m sure she won’t believe it. The sources, be it a well respected policy group or Forbes, or whatever suddenly become a bunch of biased, raving liberals to so many conservatives whose views are challenged.