The Progressive Pulse

November 6, 2009

Rep. Harrison to NC Attorney General – Investigate Blue Cross

Posted at 4:04 PM by Adam Searing

Mark Binker reports in the News and Record today that Representative Pricey Harrison of Greensboro has sent a letter to the Department of Insurance and the Attorney General calling for a probe of the Blue Cross postcard campaign.

Harrison’s main contention is pretty simple: Should a nonprofit be able to use money collected from its policyholders to engage in extensive political activity that many of its policyholders disagree with. For most people in NC, Blue Cross is a monopoly after all – if they are ticked off at the company, they have nowhere else to go.

If Blue Cross was a for-profit company stockholders could at least complain. They can’t here. That’s why the Attorney General oversees all nonprofits in NC for abuse of their mission and their money. It’s great Rep. Harrison is asking for an investigation – it’s about time.

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5 Comments

5 Comments Add yours »

Iwantpublicoption 6 Nov 2009 10:39 pm

First, wouldn’t it make more sense to see if the AG’s Office was looking into it before pulling a political stunt of talking to a reporter about sending a letter. I mean, I assume there are phones at the AG’s office.

Second, the Legislature probably needs to beef up statutory oversight of non-profits if they want something done. Has Rep. Harrison introduced such a bill? That is where effort should be spent.

gregflynn 7 Nov 2009 4:00 pm

The AG’s Office does not typically take legal action to enforce the law on behalf of the public until multiple consumers’ complaints show a pattern of illegal business practices. Each complaint is important.

Adam Searing 7 Nov 2009 6:08 pm

The AG has clear oversight power over BCBS and all nonprofits for the issues Rep. Harrison has raised.

pro-publica 7 Nov 2009 7:34 pm

I”ve building steam about the postcard campaign (two of one kind and one more elaborate) for several weeks. I have my own thing to do in that regard, but I’m pleased to know that Rep. Harrison is moving ahead with her tactic; I appreciate that.

EBB 12 Nov 2009 9:23 pm

I’m so glad Re. Harrison is doing this. I have also written to the AG. BCBSNC has outrageous nerve!

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