Sunday, November 21, 2010

1343 - Consumers Union

I don't know how many people get Consumer Reports. If you get it you've already seen this email. If not, it's your chance to shoot a letter of to your reps about health care costs.

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Dear Mike,

Doesn't it always feel like we have to accept less coverage for more money every time our health insurance plan renews? The double digit rate hikes are coming fast and furious. Health care costs are going up, but health insurance companies want even higher increases.

Why do they need all that extra money? You probably couldn't find out if you wanted to.

The companies can keep their data and math a secret, and they get to raise your rates with very little input from policyholders or the public.

Tell your state lawmakers to make insurance companies show their math.

These rate increases are nothing new. Year after year, companies raise rates and families must decide to pay more, reduce coverage, or increase deductibles. Companies should be required to back up their skyrocketing rates with real data, and explain why they need the money to policyholders and the public.

Consumers Union has created a model bill that Missouri lawmakers can file to open up the process and make sure rate increases are really justified by the cost of health care for policyholders.

Take a moment to tell your state Representative and Senator to file a bill to make sure rate increases are justified.

And if you know anyone who might want to join you in action, please forward this email to them. If health insurance is affordable, we are all better off.

Sincerely,
DeAnn Friedholm
PrescriptionForChange.org
A project of Consumers Union
506 W. 14th Street
Austin, TX 78701

4 comments:

lacochran's evil twin said...

So, we make it a requirement that health care companies tell us why they raise their rates. I predict that if this happens the first thing the health care companies will do is raise their rates and claim it is because they have to do all this additional bookkeeping and reporting.

Dianne said...

my self-employed health insurance rates quadrupled over 2 years, I asked why and never got a reason

insurance cos. are among the most corrupt of all corrupt corporations

Mike said...

LET - HEY! Do you work for an insurance company?!

I know you're right. I worked for the phone company and I know how big companies operate.

D - You're 'right on' there.

Raquel's World said...

I'm all for transparency for the health insurance companies, all insurance companies actually. They are such a rip off, never there when you really need them. I HATE INSURANCE!