N.D. lawmaker: Blue Cross letter may spur bill

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A North Dakota state senator says recent Blue Cross Blue Shield opposition to some aspects of health care reform may prompt a response in the Legislature.

Bismarck Sen. Tracy Potter and Fargo Democratic Sens. Tom Fiebiger and Tim Mathern objected to a Blue Cross letter to policyholders about federal health care reform proposals.

The letter opposed any so-called ``public option' for health insurance that would be run by the federal government.

Potter says the senators are asking Blue Cross to disclose how much the mailing cost. He says once that information is known, the senators will consider drafting new disclosure rules for the Fargo health insurer.

Blue Cross Blue Shield has been criticized for misspending money on luxury trips for sales people and severance packages for executives. Potter says many policyholders considered the mailing a waste of money.

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