12/19/13 - Local Democrats say GOP interference with private health care plans is being felt in Livingston County. The Republican-controlled Michigan legislature recently passed a law banning insurance companies from covering abortions as part of most public and private plans, unless a separate rider is purchased. Itâs been referred to as ârape insuranceâ, since a woman would not be able to buy the rider after getting pregnant by any means, including rape or incest. All three Livingston County legislators voted in favor of the law. The Chamber has long endorsed a group program through Blue Cross Blue Shield, which includes a rider for voluntary abortion. After learning that choice would be taken away, the Livingston County Democratic Party issued a press release pointing out that fact and saying it was unfortunate that freedom of choice was being taken away from employers and women. However, that didnât sit very well with Chamber President/CEO Pam McConeghy, who says they have nothing to do with individual policies and viewed it as a personal attack. McConeghy told WHMI it came as a surprise and a huge disappointment because the Chamber is not overly political and prefers to remain more neutral, recognizing people have their own beliefs. Daubenmier says thereâs been much controversy about interference with private health care plans by lawmakers in Lansing, and perhaps local lawmakers should have asked how those in Livingston County who already had this type of plan felt about it. Daubenmier says since Livingston is said to be such a conservative county, it was interesting the coverage was offered and the release was never intended as an attack. Governor Rick Snyder vetoed a similar bill last year but didnât have the power to do so this time after the anti-abortion group Right to Life led a successful petition drive forcing it back to the legislature, which approved it. (JM)
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