So... Did We Take Away The Insurance Industry's Anit-Trust Exemption ???

[WillyT]

<snip>

But the latest version of the bill also drew criticism from some Democrats as details began to emerge. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., said he is disappointed the legislation no longer repeals the insurance industry's exemption from federal antitrust laws.

"As we work to increase competition and consumer choice in health insurance, repealing the health insurance industry’s exemption from federal antitrust laws – laws designed to protect consumers – makes good business sense," Leahy said in a statement.

<snip>

Link: http://blogs.usatoday.com/onpolitics/2009/12/senate-unveils-health-care-compromise.html

I guess not.

:evilfrown:

:mad:

:nuke:

[ananda]

1. Remember, this is an insurance company, anti-woman, bill.

NOT a healthcare bill.

[midnight]

3. It is many things, but it is not consumer friendly.....

[Vinca]

2. So the checks will keep rolling in?

[Captain Hilts]

4. The BIG, UGLY, $64,000 question!

[laughingliberal]

5. No, we didn't but we do allow them to sell across state lines, now.

Nice, huh?

[debbierlus]

7. Omg, they added that too?

Of course they did.

FUCK.

[laughingliberal]

9. Yeah, they did. Straight out of McCain's plan. And the worst part of his plan nt

[debbierlus]

6. Call Sanders and plead for a filibuster.

[backscatter712]

8. Dirty details:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/12/19/9410/4062

On the bright side, the ban on annual limits is back, thank god. It's a state-by-state Stupak, meaning states can elect to ban exchange plans with federal funds from covering abortions, or not, which sucks if you're in a red state... There's a stronger appeals process for denials, and the HHS Secretary can now review these processes. Insurers can now operate across state lines, but there's language that ensures that each state's own regulation is still in force (I think, and hope that's the case). Wyden's amendment is in, so you can get a voucher from your employer to go into the exchange instead of taking your employer's insurance. The Chevy Tax is still in (but with exemptions for high-risk occupations like longshoremen.) There's now a 10% tax on indoor tanning (Boehner will be pissed about this...) And no, they're not taking away health insurer's antitrust exemption.

[Bitwit1234]

10. BEN NELSON had it pulled remember.