Snowe and Collins

[Cenla Agent]

??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Winter will have to speak for himself, but I'm guessing it may be a reference to Palin's resignation as Alaska governor. If she couldn't stand the pressure of governing what amounts to a small state (despite its large size), how in the world do people think she has the mettle to be President? The enthusiasm that conservatives have for that shallow ignoramus demonstrates the intellectual bankruptcy of the conservative movement, IMHO. The comparisons to Reagan are ridiculous.

The fact that someone is the focus of liberal attacks does not mean that they are a competent leader.

 

[Winter_123]

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I supported Palin

Huh?
============================

I vehemently argued that the press needed to give her a chance and some breathing room and then I voted for her.

What's unclear about that?

 

[ijerome]

Voinovich is not running again so he can do as he pleases. He has always been almost a moderate and has served OH well. His vote/novote meant nothing, as did all the Reps. the showdown will come after the debate. $2.00 says Collins and a few others will end up voting yea on a modified bill. But it will be years before anyone feels the effects. Business for individual plans will be good as long as you are selling the 3 year plan, with renewal options.

 

[Winter_123]

. $2.00 says Collins and a few others will end up voting yea on a modified bill.

It's the other way around. $2.00 says that the dems and repubs will end out voting on Snowe's modified bill with the trigger. The one that Obama and Baucas rejected in the other Senate Bill.

As discussed ad nauseum the dems and the repubs will need to go to a fallback position. Big mistake to not go to the front of the bus to help design one. Right now Snowe's plan is the only Plan B and Obama and Baucas and all those others are coming back to her now.
Big mistake for the repubs to try to just stonewall it rather than have an alternative because Snowe's Plan B is coming right up like clockwork. Betting that Snowe will vote on her own proposal is a reasonably safe bet.

 

[CHUMPS FROM OXFORD]

I don't mind the trigger. But I despise the exchange!

 

[TXINSURANCE]

Exchange deal is sealed. No one is arguing the exchange. Could amount to very little depending in final language, subsidies, and exchange participation requirements.

 

[CHUMPS FROM OXFORD]

I suppose. But don't you agree that if people go the exchange BEFORE us...a good number of them will not ask for our help.

As it is now...brokers are often the initial contact before the application is submitted. I fear much of that will end.

 

[TXINSURANCE]

Hard to say. People can ( and do ) buy direct now. Some do. Some do not.

Now if you are REQUIRED to buy from exchange to get subsidies, that's another story.

I suspect the exchange will have a place to identify your agent similar to online process now.

Carriers have traditionally done a poor job at direct sales. That's why they pay us.

Group is virtually guaranteed issue ( small group ) as are Medicare supplements for the most part. Are agents selling these products?

Hard to say but I don't expect commissions to drop to 5% in a year or so in a worst case because nothing is setup and carriers still need membership.

I'll be shocked if this is not phased in over many years.

 

[djs]

What, exactly, is the exchange? I somewhat understand it conceptually, but I don't understand the end user interface. I don't think anyone really knows yet.

I've pictured it something like Norvax (or Quotit) with lots of things listed, but hard to sort out what you really need. Very useful for somethings, but not really a good closing tool.

If anyone has any better idea, I'm all ears.

Dan

 

[CHUMPS FROM OXFORD]

Yes...it could be like that. I am hoping you don't have to use the exchange to exclusively apply for coverage.