I sometimes wonder if the corporate rate is all that competitive...our family BCBS family $1000 deductable PPO that we buy through Florida Farm Bureau runs about $6000 a year and that includes maternity, but no vision/dental plan.

And that's after about $1mm in claims.

But...as illustrated by D&V, they stick it to ya once the 49th birthday candles are blown out...$9K for a couple with a $5K deductible is stout.

That is typically based on a groups RAF or Risk with a base rate which means sicker groups would pay more. 9.5% could be your pulling your own weight from a cost perspective, I couldn't tell you

It isn't competitive at all, just allows me to help pay for employees coverage. In MD it doesn't matter whether you're a company or person till you are more than 50 "lives".

I'm comparing cost...but heck, you don't have to buy a BMW, you can buy a KIA...They are both cars and you can get from point A to B. However, don't expect BMW luxury in a KIA...

The public option will be a basic KIA.

Agreed, BMW is a luxury...but is healthcare a privilege...:popcorn:

I'll say it again, allow small biz (500 emp or less) to write off up to 150% of their health insurance costs if they provide 100% coverage options to their employees. Then the government will realize that rationing and controlling who gets what isn't important, cost is...and lobbying is. It will also encourage your masses to actually have a job, you know when they start dropping from the common cold.

Cost drivers: ER visits by the uninsured, Pharmaceutical costs, Malpractice.....

The fact that SEIU has partnered with AARP to help push through health care legislation should tell you something...if it doesn't...please stop voting ;)