Health Insurance Association Spends USD1.8 Million Lobbying US Government

The trade association which represents many US health insurance companies spent $1.8 million lobbying the federal government in the first quarter of 2010. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association represents 39 health insurers in the US, and focused most of its lobbying efforts on reform. In particular, the association lobbied on proposed insurance exchanges, individual mandates requiring people to purchase coverage, and funding for Medicare Advantage.

In a bid to dissuade the federal government from levying higher taxes on the private medical insurance industry, the association also sought to make clear that any tax increases would be passed on to consumers.

Though the figure may sound high, it represents a 31 per cent drop on the amount spent in the final quarter of 2009, and is equal to the amount spend in the first quarter of 2009. Though not as high as in the last quarter, when the association sought to lobby at a pivotal time for health insurance companies, it is clear that the association will continue to lobby as they seek to ensure favourable implementation of the new federal health care legislation.