tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11015870.post113738024105756452..comments2023-11-03T08:29:56.308-07:00Comments on Economic Trends: Maryland’s New Health Insurance Law Is Bad for EconomyErnie Gosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04960355803509595037noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11015870.post-1137479098423885282006-01-16T22:24:00.000-08:002006-01-16T22:24:00.000-08:00Yes, isn't it lovely when Wal Mart's competitors c...Yes, isn't it lovely when Wal Mart's competitors can increase its costs through the mechanism of the legislature. But, those incremental costs will ultimately have to be passed on to consumers -that is, those price sensitive consumers who derive utility from Wal Mart's retailing efficiencies. Alternatively, the company may choose to simply reduce its economic exposure in the state by 30 to 35% - notwithstnding the fact that the Maryland AG will probably try to claim the move is illegal.<BR/><BR/> In addition, one wonders how the Maryland legislature came up with the magic 8% number, since the composition of the employer's work force would determine the fraction of its payroll devoted to health care. For example, a spouse working part time and younger workers may not want or require coverage. At any rate, Wal Mart already offers health care coverage to both part and full time employees.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com