California's safety-net health insurance premiums rise the maximum

[n2doc]

State regulators have quietly given insurers permission to raise maximum premiums for most of the 20,000 who depend on the coverage of last resort. Some are paying an extra $7,500 this year.


By Duke Helfand
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

As state leaders blast giant health insurers for raising rates, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's administration has quietly allowed hefty increases for thousands of sick or jobless Californians who must rely on expensive safety-net coverage -- if they want insurance at all.

To the frustration of policyholders, state regulators have given insurance companies permission to raise maximum premiums for most of the 20,000 Californians who depend on the coverage of last resort. Some who buy the insurance will have to pay an extra $7,500 annually, pushing their bills to nearly $25,000.

Healthcare advocates say that continued high unemployment in California could drive up the ranks of people in this high-risk pool who have no other options for protecting themselves against catastrophic medical expenses.

more

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-safetynet-20100901,0,2371817.story

[Vinca]

1. This is obscene. It's like telling people they have to build

their own roads if they want to drive their cars. The cost of medical care is beyond the reach of a large chunk of the citizens, but it shouldn't mean they should suffer and die. It's time for the government to take the paper shuffing away from the insurance companies and pay for everyone's good health through the common funds . . . just like war and killing.

[n2doc]

2. kick n/t

[EXneoCON]

3. Surely this is what was anticipated all along.

Throw the dogs a "Hush Puppy" while serving the Big House folks all the high hog they can eat.

So even though I may now be elligible for - "ahem" - health insurance, I certainly can't pay for it!