Another rise in health insurance premiums for Massachusetts.

[Paper Roses]

Is there any hope at all that we will see an end to this rip-off?

Interesting reading.

http://www.boston.com/business/healthcare/articles/2009/09/16/health_insurers_plan_10_rise_in_rates/

[JenniferJuniper]

1. It's a nightmare.

And it's just going to get worse.

If anyone has any doubts about a "national health insurance" program that involves the government mandating citizens buy insurance from private health carriers, they would do well to study the Massachusetts Romney plan in depth.

[tsuki]

2. I wonder what the executive compensation looks like in Massachusetts?

Any $35,000 retirement parties going on?

[sinkingfeeling]

3. Not just in Massachusetts. The average family policy is up 5% this year and will increase again next

year. Family policy cost is now $13,375 per year with an average employee paying 26% of the premium. Up 131% since 1999.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/health/2009-09-15-insurance-costs_N.htm

[JenniferJuniper]

4. Massachusetts has the highest health insurance premiums in the US

http://www.boston.com/news/health/articles/2009/08/22/bay_state_health_insurance_premiums_highest_in_country/

[WeCanWorkItOut]

5. And this is "despite being dominated by not-for-profit insurance plans"

So apparently executive compensation is not the big issue here?

The article attributes "a large portion of cost increases"
to Boston hospitals, when procedures cost much more
than when they are done in community hospitals.

A different problem may occur in some "Medical Homes,"
where a flat fee is paid, and so there's an incentive to do
procedures at a very reduced level.

The ideal would be promote the community hospital costs,
while avoiding the neglect that occurs if a flat fee is paid.
Unfortunately, it seems that the "special state commission"
mentioned in the article, is heading in the wrong direction.