How do non-profit health insurance companies like Blue Shield operate? On the April 2nd edition of Your Call, we’ll have a conversation with Michael Johnson, a former Blue Shield policy director who says the company is no different than its for-profit competitors. He recently resigned over high premiums, multi-million dollar salaries, and billions in profits. The state recently stripped Blue Shield of its tax-exempt status. Johnson says Blue Shield should give back the profits it made while it received tax breaks? Do you agree? It’s Your Call with Rose Aguilar, and you.
Guests:
Michael Johnson, former policy director for Blue Shield
Judith Bell, president of Policy Link
Wendell Potter, former spokesperson for Cigna, senior analyst at the Center for Public Integrity, and author of Deadly Spin and Obamacare: What’s in it for me?
Web resources:
Make it Right Blue Shield campaign website
LA Times: With billions in the bank, Blue Shield of California loses its state tax-exempt status
Mercury News: Blue Shield criticized for Levi’s Stadium skybox
Consumers Union: Letter to Dept of Managed Health Care about Blue Shield’s rate increase request
Consumer Watchdog: Letter to AG Kamala Harris about Blue Shield’s Skybox
