The campaign is led by labor and religious groups and Lieutenant Governor John Cherry. On Wednesday, former Michigan Congressman John Freeman who heads the Health Care for Michigan, will seek approval from the state election panel of petition forms.
The petition has good chances of mustering sufficient votes since 850,000 to 1 million Michiganders do not have healthcare policies. That is around 10 percent of the state's 10 million headcount.
Michigan's health budget is at $60 billion a year or $6,000 per capita. State spokesman Gary Benjamin said it is sufficient to provide health care services to all residents. State Governor Jennifer Granholm is reportedly in favor of the proposal.
Those opposed to the proposed legislation said it would only fatten the Blue Cross' coffers. State Attorney General Mike Cox said it will spike the health insurance rates of residents, especially sick and old people.
Cox explained Blue Cross enjoys income tax exempt status, hence it made $75 million in profit last year. As an insurance provider of last resort for those who are not covered by regular health maintenance organizations, Blue Cross jacked up its premium by 79 percent since 2003 and a whooping 92 percent for policy holders who converted from individual to group coverage.
The four proposed universal health coverage bills will deny for 12 months coverage to Michiganders with pre-existing ailments, jack up premium up to 80 percent for new clients with chronic ailments like diabetes and up to 250 percent for those with serious illness like cancer.
