Political Quotes

“I want to deal with the second issue, because I think it will have the unintended consequence of actually increasing the number of uninsured, not increasing the number of insured. Let me just give you an example. In my State of Maryland, we have already had small market reform. Small companies can already join a state-regulated plan that is much less expensive than on the open market. If we are to adopt the associated health plan that is in this amendment, it will be the death knell for the small market reform in the State of Maryland. The reason quite frankly is the success of the Maryland small market reform is based upon all small employers coming into the Maryland plan, not picking and choosing between different plans. If we allow the associated health plans, that means there will be less companies insured in the State of Maryland. Do not take my word for it; take the word of Steve Larsen, the insurance commissioner for the State of Maryland, who is urging us not to pass this amendment and points out that the National Association of Insurance Commissioners oppose this amendment.”