A bipartisan coalition unveiled the latest attempt to overhaul the state’s auto insurance law today
The bill has an uphill battle. Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof has said that any bill will be dead in the Senate if it requires insurance companies to roll back rates. This bill does just that.
Representative Lana Theis is a bill sponsor. She says everyone behind the bill is open to suggestions.
“It’s an all hands on deck. If you’re coming with an idea that’s actually going to create savings for the folks, we’re gonna take a look at it.”
The bill was introduced in the state House. A spokesperson for Meekhof says the majority leader will look at the plan if it gets to the Senate.
Lawmakers from both parties have tried for years to pass changes to Michigan’s auto insurance laws. Duggan says the legislation isn’t perfect for Democrats or Republicans. But he thinks he can get bipartisan support.
The plan would let drivers pick a cap on their lifetime injury coverage or keep their current unlimited coverage.
Critics of the bill say letting drivers cap personal injury protection would result in a cost shift to the state’s Medicaid system – leaving taxpayers to pick up the bill.
Michigan is currently the only state that requires lifetime medical benefits for drivers in catastrophic car accidents. Opponents of that benefit claim it’s the reason insurance prices are so high.