". . . shouldn't those states be able to offer LOWER rates once they have dozens of insurance companies competing against one another to get enrollees?"

One would think, but it never works that way. We have free and open competition between insurance companies now, and no matter how you slice it, people get royally screwed on premiums--or benefits--or both NOW.

I've had plenty of experience with the way health insurance companies work

A little government oversight and regulation could rectify all of that.

Don Firth