May 24, 2007

Blue Cross campaign tries to cast doubt on state health care overhaul

Tom Chorneau

SFGate 

Raising the specter of the energy crisis of 2001, health care giant Blue Cross is running ads in Sacramento's largest newspaper reminding decision-makers that messing with a complex market -- like health care or electricity -- can have unintended consequences.

Blue Cross, California's largest health insurer, has made an initial investment of $2 million in the media campaign that is expected to expand into radio ads in the near future but not television. The ad, running today inside the front section of the Sacramento Bee, argues that other states have attempted to reform health care systems that haven't resulted in making things better.

"Unintended consequences do happen," the ad reads. "Remember how the rash deregulation of energy market in California spawned power outages and soaring rates? Let's not go there again."