Health Insurance has been such a taboo product for me over the years because I couldn't decide who I was representing come claim time. The insured or the company. So I decided after having such a bad experience with my first group policy I would just leave it alone altogether unless a friend kneeled down and begged me for advice and a policy. Some of the most heated situations, discussions, and the closest I've ever come to getting sued for Errors and Omissions were over Health Insurance. There are so many coverages, policies, coverage options, and exclusions who could keep up? I stayed out. The people that played liked it because it was easy money. Spend a week signing a group up and boom, 10% commission on the premium per month forever and ever. That went away a long time ago.

Private Insurers are now raising rates in anticipation of the governments reform bill. These are the only really healthy people insured right now because nobody that's not healthy can get private insurance. There is so much wrong with how we think about healing people and health care in general. Here's how I look at it. Healing is basic. Preventative care saves more in the long run than anything else. That's where the money should go. Corporations have found this out with their wellness dividend programs even giving discounts on Group Health Premiums for participation.

I personally am frightened to be required to pay for 75% of my health insurance premium next year that will probably go up by 30% in anticipation of the reform legislation that is coming. These are the issues we looked at in the early 90's, scratched our heads, and wondered, "My God, how in the world are we going to pay for all that." Maybe I'd like the good old American option of declining. My God given right to just say no.

Joseph A. Lowther, LUTCF

MetLife
2501 4th Avenue North
Billings, MT 59101

Phone: (406) 248-1656
Fax: (406) 255-8602