Surplus Non-profit Health Insurance: Hearings Set For Wednesday And Thurs

The state of Representatives and the Senate of the Government House are holding hearings this week on some of our key accounts.

We want:

1. limit rate increases health insurance benefits when companies that make up a significant cash surplus.

2. Make deposits insurance rate public as Oregon does. Much of the data is now considered a business secret, which means that we can not release it.

3. Renew our leadership - now due at the end of this year - to discuss different health insurance rates.

The first audience includes only the surplus bill, HB 1301/SB 5247. Is at 8 pm Wednesday in Conference Room 4 JA Cherberg Pavilion on the campus of capital in Olympia.

The second hearing - which includes the three bills mentioned above - is at 10 am Thursday in Room B John L. Building O'Brien, who is also in the capital campus in Olympia.

Kreidler Meet The Effort To Reform Health Care Repeal

On the eve of the vote to repeal the health care reform, the Commissioner Kreidler joined Governor Chris Gregoire in the Washington delegation letter touting the progress to date and will improve access to care services for the law, if it remains. Cried several new authorities to protect consumers are already being treated with our family, friends and neighbors:

* Children who have significant health care needs may not be expelled from the insurance plans.

* Young adults can remain on their parents health plan until age 26.

* Not more cost-sharing for preventive services including cancer screening and vaccinations.

* People who already have one that I have been assured for at least six months, receive health insurance through a plan funded by the federal government pre-existing condition insurance.

* Small businesses that offer their employees health insurance can get tax relief.

In its press release issued in Washington yesterday Rearch Public Interest Group, "said Kreidler Putting politics aside, the current health insurance system is unsustainable. Washington families and businesses are hurt. They contacted the office every day, asking help, because they can not find or afford insurance coverage they have. Starting a new force to help the reforms, but reforms are needed throughout the year 2014. All efforts to repeal the health care reform has become short-sighted and only hurt consumers. "

Kreidler, and Gregoire and recognize a letter to the delegation that the provision of affordable care for the law can not be perfect, but they make the argument that repealing - and all the work has been done so far to implement the reforms - would be a giant step backwards in our state and nation.

Why Propose Legislation To Limit Surpluses Of Health Insurers, Nonprofit

Among the legislative proposals this year: Bill to limit increases in insurance rates non-profit ', or other activities of the company will develop over a certain level.

This will allow insurers a substantial cash cushion for unforeseen emergencies, but also help to keep premiums to grow more than necessary.

Background: The insurance company, the nature of their activities, collect and invest large sums. They need to do this in order to pay claims. They must comply with the solvency to ensure that the company can make its promises to policyholders. If in doubt, we can take charge and try to rehabilitate them so that policyholders and providers are protected.

But at this stage, the state with three major non-profit insurers (Regence, Premera, and a group of health) are large surpluses, which have grown substantially over the last 8 years. Together they have more than $ 2 billion more than they expect to pay a claim. At the same time - this is a surprise to anyone - health insurance rates have risen drastically.

So, We are looking for an explicit mandate to consider the surplus - and income - if you look at the proposed rates.

Here is what they seem to be leftovers. (Capital and surplus means the balance of the assets after making requests for payment):

Our proposal would work like this: When an insurer has enough to pay expected claims, plus a further report by three months the average loss, we do not accept the interest rate, which brings more surplus. (Exceptions may be granted, however, if the limit would threaten the solvency of the insurer.)

The three listed insurance companies have surplus equivalent to 4.5 months of their claims. There was still a significant cash cushion for unexpected expenses, but we believe that our proposal also would help keep premiums down.

The proposal would affect insurance lines that have the power to revise the rates: the small group coverage.

The legislative session begins next week. Stay tuned.

Where To Look If You Can Not Afford Health Coverage

We have compiled a list of resources, suggestions and alternatives for people who can not find affordable health coverage. We "can not afford health care" page contains links and information:

* The local community clinics and free clinics,

* Health insurance for state-offered

* Free Cancer Screening

* Hospital charity care

* Dental Examinations and treatment

* And special programs for certain diseases or disabilities.

Individual Plan To Open Registration For Children Until 15 December

If you wish to purchase an individual health plan for your child this year or add your child to your individual level, or if you are an emancipated minor is seeking an individual health plan, the 2010 open enrollment ends today. Children can still get coverage through the Washington Health Insurance Pool if they can benefit from pre-existing condition insurance plan.

We announce the enrollment options for 2011 in the coming weeks.

new consumer protections under the law to prevent any plans for affordable health care discriminate against children because of a preexisting condition. However, special enrollment periods are allowed. 2010 Washington State period of individual registration opened on November 1, 1915 December. Meanwhile, children under age 19 may enroll in individual health plan without having to take a health examination.

Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler created the special open enrollment period by a rule. After today, children under 19 years receive coverage by the Washington State Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP) or if they qualify through the new pre-existing condition insurance plan (PCP- WA). Join WA-PCP, you must have been insured for at least six months and have a medical condition exists. There are some exceptions where parents can apply for coverage at any time in the individual market, such as birth or adoption of a child or a child or parent:

■ are no longer eligible for a state program.

■ lose coverage because of divorce.

■ loss of coverage by the employer.

■ moves and their plan is not available where they live.

If you have questions about finding health insurance, or if you need help with familiarization, call 1-800-562-6900 or read our health insurance.