Mr.Trump’s Proposal for the Sale of Health Insurance Across State Lines

Donald Trump’s website has a position paper entitled “Healthcare Reform To Make America Great Again.”  And some of his suggested reforms make sense.  However, the question of the moment involves Item 2:
“Modify existing law that inhibits the sale of health insurance across state lines.  As long as the plan purchased complies with state requirements, any vendor ought to be able to offer insurance in any state.  By allowing full competition in this market, insurance costs will go down and consumer satisfaction will go up.”
This is not by any means a new proposal.  Despite being supported by most Republican Presidential candidates, it has lingered around for decades without going anywhere.  And for good reason.
The driving argument is that this would permit increased competition amongst insurers which would lower premiums.  While it is true that competition might increase, it is highly doubtful that the result would be lower premiums, and there are considerable consumer protection concerns as well.