Fresh Thinking on Health Insurance

Governor Charlie Crist (R-Florida) has not only come up with a new way to provide health insurance coverage for his state's uninsured, but has put his ideas into legislation that will allow low cost alternatives to those who might otherwise be unable to afford traditional plans. The legislation, As explained in a recent Wall Street Journal editorial,will allow the sale of no-frills policies, which allow consumers to purchase basic coverage for as little as $150 per month.

One of the root causes of the high price of health insurance is the requirements passed by many states that certain coverages be included in all policies. Such coverage includes such treatments as Chiropractics, Acupuncture, Podiatry and infertility treatments. Ironically, these mandates often stem more from the efforts of special interest lobbying groups rather than consumer demand. Consumers are forced to buy the whole package or go without insurance, often due to the cost.

This may not be a perfect solution, but for many, no frills coverage would be much better than no coverage at all. And, it keeps the government out of the health care business.