BCBSNC

Dear Commissioner Goodwin.

You've done an outstanding job during your short tenure as Insurance Commissioner representing the interests of regular citizens, the people who elected you. In the spirit of that good work, we're hoping you'll wade into the latest fray involving insurance foxes and citizen hen houses. You're no doubt up to speed on the issues, but just to be sure, here's a recap straight from the News and Observer.

On the verge of being screwed again, the NC public is facing a new health insurance exchange law that, according to the News & Observer, is being "orchestrated by Blue Cross/Blue Shield." The new law requires that the health insurance exchange board be made up of a permanent seat for BC/BS and also two other insurance company representatives, someone from the business community, someone from the state medical society, and someone from the hospital association.

No consumer groups or advocates will be included.

The law is getting fast service in the legislature who are again, swapping campaign dollars for dead people.

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The N&O has a good piece today on rising insurance rates from Blue Cross. Over at Ed's place, people are sharing their stories about how they're coping with big increases in the cost of care. If you're willing, please post your story here. These days we're seeing roughly 4000 readers a week. Telling your story might just make the difference that needs to be made for someone.

Ugh.

Cross-posted from the Justice Center

Here at the Justice Center we are insured by our good friends at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. This year our premiums are going up nearly 20 percent.

Lawmakers are questioning Anthem Blue Cross out in California for increasing premiums by as much as 39 percent on individual and small group policy holders. I'm wondering if Blue Cross of North Carolina is engaged in similar price gouging.

So let me know how much your premiums are increasing this year. All insurance carriers are fair game but I'm most interested in Blue Cross. This can be for an individual policy or group.

Adam

After eleven years working like crazy to grow the biggest health insurance business in North Carolina, Bob Greczyn is retiring. Too bad he didn't spend those eleven years working like crazy to reform America's out-of-control healthcare system. Money talks.

Kudos go to Rep. Pricey Harrison for leading the charge and to the 19 other legislators who asked for an investigation. From this morning AP wire it is clear that the Attorney General is pursuing the investigation.

Blue Cross calls, mailers get lawmakers' notice

The state Attorney General's office confirmed Tuesday it was investigating North Carolina's largest health insurer for prerecorded calls that started late last month. Based on a preliminary review, some calls linked to the company appear to have violated the law, according to a letter from a state attorney.

When a lawyer friend reached his own personal breaking point in the healthcare debate, he fired off a letter to BCBS asking them to stop fighting reform. He copied me, and sent along this excerpt about the company's Board of Directors.

In case you haven't heard, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina will be replacing its CEO next year. Bob Greczyn, who's been pulling down millions in annual compensation, will take his money and run, leaving his longtime colleague Brad Wilson to pick up the pieces.

For the record, I used to be an employee of one of the marketing agencies that works with Blue Cross. I even met with Mr. Greczyn for a half hour many years ago. From what I could tell, he was a smart guy and a quick study. I remember having a glimmer of hope that if he might become a leader in healthcare reform in America.