SPOTLIGHT: REASON FOR REFORM?
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius yesterday released a report illustrating
six examples of insurers that over the previous year sought double-digit
increases to premium rates for people who purchase individual coverage,
in an attempt to highlight the need for health reform legislation.
Sebelius pointed out proposed premium increases by BlueCross BlueShield
plans in six states, including California, Connecticut, Maine and
Michigan, where consumers would have seen their premiums rise by 23% to
56%. Sebelius also cited a recent report that found the five largest
U.S. health insurers last year reported $12.4 billion in combined
profits. Sebelius said, "It shines a light on the urgency for health
reform." Officials from the insurance industry and congressional
Republicans denounced the administration's criticism of insurers, which
they described as a mischaracterization of both the problem and its
solution.
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