Health insurance in Massachusetts. A friend told me something yesterday that I find hard to believe. He said that in Massachusetts it's against the law for insurance companies to price based on pre-existing conditions, or to even ask about them. I can't believe it. Is it true?
Apparently it is true. Frank Field sends a pointer to this FAQ from the Massachusetts Attorney General about health insurance. "Good Health Not Required. You cannot be turned down, or charged more, for individual health insurance based on your gender, health condition, medical history experience, genetic information or any condition arising from acts of domestic violence. Your premium rate may only be altered up or down a limited amount based on your age and geographic location. Individual health plans may apply pre-existing condition limitations and waiting periods for up to six months after enrollment, but these limitations can only be applied to persons who did not have prior coverage within 63 days of enrollment in an individual health insurance plan."
It makes sense. The state is going to foot the bill for the uninsured. Perhaps they subsidize the insurance industry. No matter what we're all better off, imho, if everyone has coverage. [Scripting News]
Of course it's easy to see why Dave Winer, an overweight middle-aged man with a history of heart problems and smoking, would like this system--it means he can get his health insurance subsidized by people in their twenties who are in perfect health and have never smoked. Of course he's rich, like more than a few other middle-aged men with health problems. Unfortunately for young healthy people with not much money, politicians tend towards middle age and poor health.
3:51:27 PM 
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