If an insurer collecting 90% of all premiums becomes a "co-op", does that add competition or choice?

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

The idea of a health cooperative has been pushed by Senator Kent Conrad, Democrat of North Dakota. It has drawn support from centrist Democrats and has intrigued some Republicans.

...

The co-ops could be formed at the national, state or local level.

...

Mr. Conrad’s own state demonstrates the uncertainties surrounding cooperatives. Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota dominates the state’s private insurance market, collecting nearly 90 percent of premiums. As a nonprofit owned by its members, the company would hope to qualify as a co-op under federal legislation, said Paul von Ebers, its incoming president and chief executive.

http://www.nytimes.com/learning/students/p...les/18plan.html

Edited August 18, 2009 by w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Great, BCBS is going to make sure that competition finally comes to North Dakota by competing against itself. This is some awesome prgress. At least the guvmint won't be getting in my pockets.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Great, BCBS is going to make sure that competition finally comes to North Dakota by competing against itself. This is some awesome prgress. At least the guvmint won't be getting in my pockets.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Great, BCBS is going to make sure that competition finally comes to North Dakota by competing against itself. This is some awesome prgress. At least the guvmint won't be getting in my pockets.