Everybody talks about that, but it's not really a premium cost driver.
WITHIN REASON!...certain coverage mandates barely affect premium level.
The reason being, if everyone has the same package of coverage, those provisions will "cross subsidize" each other actually making them less expensive for everyone than if they were to be specifically chosen by the insured (cafeteria coverage)
It also is less costly for the carrier, as it allows one standard policy package, as opposed to several million custom one-offs, where the insured picks only what they want. (they would add the cost to the premium or policy fee)
WITHIN REASON!...limited coverage mandates also prevent an unscrupulous carrier from selling a cheap policy that covers nothing.
What coverage provisions do really jack up premium for everyone?
Chiropractic and mental health coverage are the most expensive.
I know this will hiss off a great number of FReepers, but mental health expenditures for the sickest of the mentally ill are a waste of limited medical monetary resources. Medical dollars are constantly being poured down a never-ending rat hole of failed treatment time and again. This costs everyone more in finite medical dollars. Employers should be allowed to limit or exclude this type of treatment. This would lower premium costs. Someone wants this type of care to be unlimited? Purchase a rider, like people used to do, and pay through the nose for it. I shouldn’t have to subsidize anyone else’s medical insurance with my premiums