Mighty Paul from Montana writes in with two notable points.

He mentions that the Czar’s explanation that a larger risk pool saves more money is not necessarily correct unless the insurance company has a sufficient amount of fixed administrative or overhead costs which can then be distributed (or amortized, as Paul knows what he’s talking about) across more members. He adds that if most costs are actual disbursements (payments) to sick people, which is the Czar’s point, then this will not guarantee lower premiums if the risk pool is larger.

He is correct, and the Czar will not quibble because we love accuracy here. And that’s the royal we, because ‘Puter hates being right. He just is, and he hates it.

Also, more critically, Paul reminds us that in 1986, the Republicans did not control both houses of Congress. The House had a Democratic Majority. The Czar regrets this bonehead error, but appreciates Paul’s careful and delicate correction. There is a right way and a wrong way to call the Czar out. Paul’s way will not result in a night-time visit by okhrana, but in fact will receive a free pizza during his next visit to Muscovy.

And to answer his question, not yet. And the Czar does not expect to see it. Other readers will need to keep reading to find out what Paul asked.

The Czar of Muscovy

Божію Поспѣшествующею Милостію Мы, Дима Грозный Императоръ и Самодержецъ Всероссiйскiй, цѣсарь Московскiй. The Czar was born in the steppes of Russia in 1267, and was cheated out of total control of all Russia upon the death of Boris Mikhailovich, who replaced Alexander Yaroslav Nevsky in 1263. However, in 1283, our Czar was passed over due to a clerical error and the rule of all Russia went to his second cousin Daniil (Даниил Александрович), whom Czar still resents. As a half-hearted apology, the Czar was awarded control over Muscovy, inconveniently located 5,000 miles away just outside Chicago. He now spends his time seething about this and writing about other stuff that bothers him.