LANSING — Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor), Minority Vice Chair of the Senate Insurance and Banking Committee, has issued the following statement after the Michigan Senate passed Senate Bill 1 today, which dramatically changes Michigan’s auto insurance system. The proposed plan would end the state’s requirement that policies guarantee unlimited lifetime medical coverage for injured motorists, and instead allow motorists to choose their medical coverage levels in their insurance policies, but without any lower rates.
“The residents in my district sent me to Lansing to work on real auto-insurance reform that helps hardworking families. This bill is nothing more than lipstick on a pig that does nothing to help them. Although the lower-level choices might appear enticing, the harsh reality is that the money-saving costs proposed will result in more bankruptcies in the long run because people will not have sufficient coverage. God forbid they’re in an accident that leaves them needing treatment for the rest of their lives. This legislation will drain bank accounts along with consumers’ peace of mind. It’s an absolute shame. What residents need and want are auto insurance reforms that include a guarantee of long-term, sustainable and significantly lowered rates on the front end, not reduced coverage and access to health care on the back end.”
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