Editorial: Senate Should Pass Insurance Rate Oversight Bill
On Thursday, the Senate Appropriations Committee is scheduled to vote on a bill (AB 52) that would authorize the state insurance commissioner to approve, deny or modify changes in health insurance rates, making it "the most important health care legislation in California this year," a San Jose Mercury News editorial states. According to the editorial, two proposed amendments to the bill would establish an appeals panel and allow large groups to negotiate health insurance rates on their own. The editorial states that the amendments should be considered "as long as the final deal gives the commissioner sufficient power to protect the public."
- "California Insurance Rates Need Oversight" (San Jose Mercury News, 8/23).