I will work to eliminate the government imposed mandates on health insurance policies.  Currently every policy issued must contain coverage for a laundry list of ailments, tests, procedures, etc., the result of this policy is the creation of a "Cadillac" of coverage.  These mandates also contribute to an environment where insurers do not have to compete for the business of Michigan individuals and families.  The other side of the coin is that Michigan consumers do not have a lot a choice in purchasing health insurance policies.  An appropriate illustration would be that Michigan allows for two modes of transportation to be purchased, one is a fully-optioned Cadillac and if you cannot afford that you can take the public bus.

My opponent sits on the insurance subcommittee, he recently voted in favor of House Resolution 5282 (http://www.michiganvotes.com/2007-HB-5282) a bill that caps the price of insurance premiums.  Some might honor him for his sensitivity to consumers, after all consumers get the same policy at the reduced price, right?  The unintended consequence of actions such as these actually works to hurt consumers.  Incumbent insurance providers favor caps because they have the effect of preventing new entrants into the marketplace, new entrants that could provide more competition and eventually improve both prices and service.  The clear signal is that either the incumbent does not know or consider economic truths and unintended consequences or he wants you to be increasingly dependent on the government.