Kevin Collins

With over 40 years' experience in health care, economics, political theory, and government, Kevin continues to advocate for rational solutions to contemporary problems. See below for his papers, presentations, and videos to date.

Kevin can be reached by email at kcollins@optimalstaffing.com.

Are We Really This Divided?

While our nation appears to be hopelessly divided, it should be noted most Americans actually still agree on the two most basic principles of modern democracy: first, that everyone has the right to say and do and believe what they want if it doesn’t infringe on the rights of others; and second, that every person should have a legitimate chance for success and happiness. These principles give all Americans a common purpose regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation; and they can guide us through all political debate and policymaking – with our differences serving as a sign of our liberty and the source of our greatness. Click here for the video presentation.

Attendant Care and Adult Foster Care in Section 3157 of PA 21

Section 3157 of Michigan’s 2019 auto insurance overhaul calls for reimbursement limitations for “physicians, hospitals, clinics, and other persons who render treatment or rehabilitative occupational training.” By any definition, this does not include providers of attendant care or adult foster care, both of which provide help with basic activities of daily living such as eating, bathing, dressing, and toileting. So why are auto crash survivors who need these types of care being subjected to the rate reductions of Section 3157? For answers and a fuller analysis, see here.

Who Should Pay for Auto Insurance?

It is widely accepted that workplace and automobile accident injuries are most effectively handled through no-fault insurance, which avoids litigation, lowers costs, and provides more timely care to accident survivors. So why has no-fault workers compensation insurance flourished in all 50 states, while no-fault auto insurance has floundered? The main reason is that workers compensation insurance premiums are paid by employers as a tax-deductible cost of business, whereas auto insurance premiums are paid entirely by drivers with limited after-tax income. This has placed pressure on state legislatures to implement tort-based systems where drivers might save a few dollars but crash survivors suffer. Should auto manufacturers and others who play a role in auto traffic safety pay at least part of no-fault premiums as a cost of doing business? See here for a more complete discussion.

Why Are Michigan’s Auto Insurance Rates Still Among the Highest In the Nation?

A key part of Michigan’s 2019 automobile insurance law overhaul was PIP Choice, whereby drivers are no longer mandated to buy unlimited lifetime personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Unfortunately, the lower-cost PIP options also expose every driver in the state to greater liability – and higher liability premiums – since many crash survivors who chose the lower PIP options are now forced to sue in an attempt to recover some or all of the cost of their care. The higher liability premiums have largely offset any PIP savings, and Michigan still ranks among the most expensive states for automobile insurance. The solution is to offer limited lifetime PIP options that save money while still insuring against catastrophic events, similar to the choice employed in health insurance for decades. See here for a fuller analysis.

Kevin Collins is founder, President and CEO of Optimal Staffing Solutions in Lansing, MI. Kevin received his AS in Respiratory Therapy from Lansing Community College, BS in Economics from Michigan State University, and PhD in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Kevin also worked at the Justice Department in Washington, DC, and taught economics at Western Michigan University and The University of Chicago.