Opinion: AB 52 Would Lead to More Regulation, Higher Costs
A bill (AB 52) that would allow state regulators to block health insurance rate hikes that are deemed excessive "purportedly is designed to protect consumers," but it "ignores the cost of doing business," Small Business Action Committee President Joel Fox writes in a San Jose Mercury News opinion piece. He writes, "Ironically, the increased cost of regulation will find its way to consumers, either through increased costs or reduced services," adding, "Unless some check is put on the driving force behind health care costs, reducing premiums will only serve to limit services." Fox concludes, "Whatever AB 52's true intent, the real world consequence will be more regulation, higher costs and little progress toward solving the problems associated with increased medical costs."
- "Opinion: California Doesn't Need More Insurance Regulation" (Fox, San Jose Mercury News, 8/24).