I do support the freedom of choice regarding the Helmet Law, however, it is not something that can happen in Michigan right now without complete No-Fault reform. What many do not understand is the fact that Michigans No-Fault Law provides an Unlimited Lifetime Medical Benefit. You or I cannot go out & buy a Health Insurance Plan that is unlimited in benefit, these policies have limits to them ranging from 1 to 5 million, why should we be mandated to purchase unlimited medical coverage under the Michigan No-Fault Law. Another item of importance that many are not aware of is that the medical providers (Hospitals, Physicans etc) are not obligated to any fee schedules for treatment of auto related injuries. For example, the MRI that you have performed as a result of an Auto related injury is 3-5 times more than that same service provided for under a Workers Compensation injury which is subject to a fee schedule. Treatment for any auto related injury in Michigan is NOT subject to any cost containment. As such, we all continue to suffer with ever increasing insurance rates. Everyone who owns & insures an auto in Michigan is not only paying for the ever increasing costs of the Medical coverage provided under the auto policy known as PIP (Person Injury Protection) but also to the State Mandated Fee known as the MCCA (Michigan Catastrofic Claims Association), both of which are per vehicle on the policy. Presently, all auto insurers in the state of Michigan are responsible for the first $500,000 in medical expense, once that threshold has been met, the medical costs are then taken over by the MCCA which is unlimited in benefit. As firecatguy pointed out, this fee is increasing to $175 per vehicle beginning July 1st 2012, which is an increase of $30 per vehicle per year. The $175 assessment includes $141.93 to cover claims, $32.72 to address the estimated $2 BILLION deficit with the remainder for adminstrative expenses. The current deficit is estimated at $310.78 per insured car. The MCCA paid out $927 million (more than $133 per insured vehicle) in 2011 for claim costs resulting from catastrophic injuries (those that exceeded $500,000). Since 1979 there have been over 28,000 claims reported to the MCCA which will cost an estimated $85 billion. Keep in mind, everyone who insures a Cycle in the state of Michigan is also paying into the MCCA, even though they themselves cannot take advantage of the benefit of this coverage themselves. Medical coverage for the motorcyclist is an "optional" coverage, of which, I would have to say, 90% + do NOT buy due to the additional cost & the "limited" amount of coverage provided. Another point brought out by firecatguy, is a cycle is not a motor vehicle and cannot take advantage of the MCCA unless it makes contact with a "motor vehicle" as defined by law. However, keep in mind, this is not limited to a motor vehicle operator slamming a motorcylist at an intersection because they are not paying attention, this goes for a motorcyclist that either rear ends a car(s) & also one that my lay it down and slide into a motor vehicle or vehicles. Every auto that is contacted by the motorcycle is paying for the motorcyclists medical for as long as they live, & again, keep in mind, with no limit of expense & with no fee schedules in place by the medical providers. Who continues to pay the ever increasing expense? All of us who insure our vehicles in the state because the companies are paying it out & have to pass it onto us, the consumers. This issue goes much further than the "freedom of choice", it is a matter of what is currently contained in the Michigan No-Fault Law. We all feel the pain in our Auto rates at every renewal. Repeal of the helmet law at this time is not a wise choice for anyone of us who pay the price of auto insurance here in Michigan. If this law were to be repealed at this point & time, we would certainly need more than the tourism dollars that could possibly be generated by those whom would not come here previously for the sake of being able to ride without a helmet.-Mezz
