California Agents Critique Coverage Ownership Proposal

If Golden State lawmakers want to require individuals to own health coverage, they have to make sure any exceptions are as narrow as possible.

Otherwise, many people who can afford health coverage will opt out, and that will lead to antiselection problems for health insurers and skyrocketing rates for consumers who do buy coverage, according to officials at the California Association of Health Underwriters, Fresno, Calif.

CAHU President Neil Crosby has expressed that position in a letter to the California Assembly Health Committee, which is considering several “universal health” bills. One option lawmakers are considering is requiring individuals without employer-sponsored coverage to buy their own coverage.