…And they can even exempt themselves from these laws that they pass.

Throughout North Carolina’s present legislative session, a number of bills have been filed calling for health insurers to expand coverage to include benefits such as oral cancer drugs, autism therapy, and chiropractic care. The Associated Press reports that the introduced bills could amount to an additional 16 percent rate increase if passed.

Keep in mind this doesn’t factor in the average double digit premium increases for 2016 non-group ACA plans proposed by Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Coventry, and United.

But could it be that coverage mandates aren’t necessary to access decent health benefits?

Read more from my latest Forbes piece here.