A group of 20 lawmakers today released a letter to the Attorney General and the Insurance Commissioner calling for an investigation into the anti-health reform campaign of Blue Cross.
While sending out misleading fliers and making inflammatory robo-calls Blue Cross potentially violated several state laws. The lawmakers are asking the AG to conduct an in-depth investigation and issue appropriate fines.
The larger issue is that Blue Cross is not upholding its mission to promote health care for average North Carolinians. Blue Cross was founded with a grant from the Duke Endowment and was built for more than sixty years with preferential tax treatment and charitable contributions. The current executive team has chosen to pursue a path of big surpluses and outsized bonuses over caring for middle class families.
The AG has broad authority to ensure that nonprofits live up to their missions. It looks like Blue Cross has traded in its history and tradition for a few extra dollars. These lawmakers should be praised for holding the company accountable.
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