Health reform: state protections at risk?
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom holds the one-page application form that San Franciscans fill out for health care as he speaks at a meeting of Town Hall Los Angeles on July 9, 2009 in Los Angeles, California.
The health care legislation currently in Congress would allow insurers to sell their policies over state lines. This is raising concern for consumer advocates, who fear that it will weaken state insurance mandates and consumer protections, since some states have laws that go beyond federal regulations. In California, insurers are required to pay for HIV/AIDS testing and second surgical opinions, and there is an independent appeals board for denied insurance claims. Would interstate sales lead to weaker coverage for consumers, or allow them to pick policies that fit their needs?
Guests:
Jerry Flanagan, Health Care Policy Director for Consumer Watchdog, a consumer advocacy group
J.P. Wieske, Director of State Affairs, The Council for Affordable Health Insurance
- AirTalk for November 16, 2009
- Civilian trials for terror suspects spark debate
- Last (four-letter) words
- Health reform: state protections at risk?
- Lunar probe makes a splash
- The danger of positive thinking
Also on this episode
Events
Film Week Oscar Preview
Sunday, February 19, 2012
1 p.m.
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It’s a hit with boffo box office! The 10th annual “Film Week on AirTalk” Academy Awards preview is coming to the historic Egyptian Theater on Hollywood Boulevard, Sunday, February 19th. The full cast of “Film Week” critics joins Larry Mantle to debate which nominees should take the top categories. Audience ... » More info
