MBIPC calls out Gov. Whitmer’s misleading statements about who benefits from auto insurance reform
Judd notes polls, surveys and independent analyses disputing benefits for average Michiganders
BRIGHTON, Mich.—(July 11, 2022)— MBIPC today called out misleading statements once again issued by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and her administration. In issuing yet another media announcement about Michigan’s auto no-fault insurance reform law, Gov. Whitmer drew attention to the $400 “refund” that was taken out of the MCCA, pointing to misleading facts about the impact on premium costs the law has had for Michigan drivers, especially drivers in Detroit.
MBIPC noted—again—that In a statewide poll, two-thirds of Michigan drivers said they have not seen a significant decrease in their rates, while over one-third said their rates actually increased. Additionally, recent reports by a nationally recognized insurance expert indicated that Detroit drivers are still paying higher rates than any city in America while biased rate making still occurs based on where someone lives and their credit history.
“Gov. Whitmer continues to churn out misguided messaging to distract from the fact that insurance companies continue to rake in record profits while Michiganders see little to nothing in return,” MBIPC President Tom Judd said. “Most astounding, however, is the continued rhetoric with complete denial of any of the real suffering this law is causing Michigan drivers catastrophically injured in a car crash. The University of Michigan Poverty Solutions and MPHI have provided third-party validation of the crisis in care—demonstrating the negative impacts of the draconian governmental price fix on rehabilitation and care providers.”
“People are losing their care,” Judd said. “Small businesses are discharging their patients and closing their doors. Gov. Whitmer talks about the jobs created in the insurance industry; but fails to acknowledge the thousands of jobs lost by healthcare heroes across the state. The governor talks about addressing kitchen table issues, yet she has tried to keep the crisis in care out of focus for Michigan families.”
Judd noted that Gov. Whitmer and the legislative leadership have ignored resolutions from at least 27 County Commissions calling for a narrow fix to the no-fault law so that the citizens in the communities get the care they need and deserve. They have ignored service providers that have opened up their books to show them the math doesn’t add up. And most egregious, Judd said, they have ignored the pleas of crash victims and their families. Instead, misleading messages about the “savings” and effects of the 2019 law are on a consistent news feed loop.
“While there is a political determination being made that the voices of crash victims, their families, the mission-driven organizations that provide care, and dozens of disability rights groups simply do not matter; but these voices will not be silenced,” Judd said. “While the Governor and legislative leaders don’t believe the crisis in care that they created is a kitchen table issue, truth will prevail, and justice will win. Sadly, in the meantime, many Michigan citizens will suffer, Michigan businesses will close, and families will remain in turmoil—all because our leaders choose to follow their lead from the insurance industry without regard to the citizens they are sworn to protect.”
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Members of the Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council are committed to providing high quality, ethical rehabilitation services, with the mission of achieving the best outcomes for patients. As a trade association established in 1987 and based in Brighton, Michigan, MBIPC offers resource-sharing, information exchange, professional development and education, advocacy for brain injury standards of care and legislation protecting Michigan families, and the promotion of ethical conduct. For more information, go to mbipc.org https://www.mbipc.org, and connect with MBIPC on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.