I am writing to bring a very important issue to the public’s attention. Last spring, bill No. 1190, sponsored by Lois Snowe Mello and Lloyd LaFontaine was reviewed by the Insurance and Financial Services Committee. The bill, An Act To Create the Health Insurance Risk Pool Association, was discussed during the public hearing process and was regarded as a proven means to bring immediate relief to the high cost of health insurance.

There were insurance carriers at this meeting offering rates that were 45 percent to 50 percent lower than what we currently pay. The committee ultimately tabled the bill to see what the governor would come up with.

We have seen a brief overview of Dirigo Health. It may or may not work. Bill No. 1190’s approach is working well in 33 states. The risk pool approach is a proven success. We need results now, not maybe in a year or so.

The bill is going to be discussed again during the committee meeting on Sept. 3. At that time, the committee votes to bring the bill to vote or to kill it. We need this bill brought to a vote. It should not be killed. I am in the insurance business and see firsthand how the current rates are hurting my clients.

Carl Duchette, East Poland

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