For a broader perspective on the problems of private health insurance see
http://www.economist.com/displayStory.cfm?story_id=15545834&source=hptextfeature
tim
Timothy Stoltzfus Jost
Robert L. Willett Professor
Washington and Lee University School of Law
(540) 564 2524
(540) 458 8510
(540) 421 1529
fax (540) 458 8488
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________________________________________
From: Anglo-American Health Policy Network [[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Adam Oliver [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Friday, February 19, 2010 12:21 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Today's Spotlight, forwarded by Howard B.
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.
Please access the attached hyperlink for an important electronic communications disclaimer: http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/planningAndCorporatePolicy/legalandComplianceTeam/legal/disclaimer.htm
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