What has been lost in the outrage over Humana writing to Medicare Advantage members is that this type of dilema will happen more often if anything close to the current reform packages. One problem with public private partnerships is that corporations have not only the usual marketplace levers of competition prices, quality, and customer service, but also the levers of politics and lobbying as well. Will plans in the exchange need to sign gag orders to prevent them from informing members when subsidies are going to reduced?
Disclaimer: I am employed by Ingenix a subsidiary of United Health Group and these are my views and not the views of Ingenix or United Health.