Risk-Pool Insurance

When is an automobile of greater value than a person? When our governor vetoes legislation that would provide risk-pool insurance, which is now available for unsafe drivers, for those who cannot otherwise get medical insurance.

Gov. George Deukmejian vetoed AB 600, a bill that passed the Senate 38 to 0, and was supported by The Times and practically every major health-care, medical, hospital and voluntary medical support group in the state.

This legislation would have established a risk-pool for the approximately 2 million Californians who cannot buy medical insurance because they or their family members have an existing medical condition that the insurance carriers deem uninsurable.

The bill would have allowed these people to purchase and pay premiums for medical insurance. No free rides. Just an opportunity to buy a necessity at rates exceeding those paid by the general population.

In his veto message the governor stated the bill “would impose additional costs on private carriers” and cause “dual registration by both the Department of Corporations and Department of Insurance.”

Is this valid criteria for judging whether legislation will serve the general welfare of Californians? What alternatives exist for those, who through no fault on their part, (not so in the case of bad drivers) are denied any opportunity to buy insurance, at any cost.

The insurance companies don’t want the risk and don’t want to pool the risk. Tell me, dear Governor, what do you suggest?

LEONARD KATTAN

Santa Ana