The Providence Business News Executive Poll is a weekly survey of 70 business
leaders throughout the state, representing small and large companies in a variety
of industries.
QUESTION: Rep. Peter Kilmartin, a Pawtucket Democrat, plans to pre-file legislation barring anyone who serves on the board of directors of a non-profit company from receiving compensation. The move comes after he learned that members of Blue Cross & Blue Shield Rhode Island board of directors are paid. Should Blue Cross be permitted to pay its board members?
Yes: 64%
No: 36%
QUESTION: Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island has been criticized for building up its reserve funds, while increasing its costs for health insurance. Is Blue Cross justified in building its reserves?
BCBS is justified in building its reserves to strengthen its fiscal condition: 27%
BCBS doesn’t need to build its reserves as much as it is: 73%
QUESTION: Where do you place the blame for skyrocketing health care costs?
Health insurers: 30%
Hospitals and doctors: 10%
Equally to blame: 60%
QUESTION: Will you be contributing more out of your paycheck in 2004 for the same health benefits?
Yes: 90%
No: 10%
QUESTION: Are the benefits provided by your company or organization as comprehensive as they have been in recent years or have they been scaled back?
Same benefit package: 55%
Benefits have been scaled back: 45%
