We hear all the time about rising health care costs, but this really takes the cake. Read this and you'll understand why we can't trust health insurance companies and need to have a public option in health care reform.
Blue Cross has just announced that it's immediately raising premiums charged to hundreds of thousands of individual customers by as much as 39% -- even though their parent company's profits soared to a record $4.7 billion last year.
Even worse, the insurer has so far refused to explain why they're increasing their rates, and warned that they might do so again this year without warning.
The Obama administration is demanding answers from Anthem Blue Cross, and Congress has opened an investigation. But Blue Cross is only going to respond if this story becomes a major public-relations problem for them.
So it's time to turn up the heat. I just signed a petition calling for an explanation from Blue Cross -- will you join me? http://pol.moveon.org/bluecross/?r_by=18941-1165144-3OTXO9x&rc=paste
P.S. This will give you an idea of why BCBS is raising its premiums: http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977686804
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Comments: 26
Let me answer that for them. Republicans and ignorant people.
No, no, no: I heard the "explanation" for the increases this morning. It was to cover undeclared "anticipated" increases in some costs. Anticipated increases.
"I'm BC. I anticipate more costs."
Really? How much?
"I don't know. Therefore I raise prices 40%."
Ok.
That's what I was trying to Google, but I couldn't find it.....
Slackers.
Americans have given insurance companies carte blanche to raise premiums. I really hope they raise premiums by much more. Maybe tea baggers will go out and demonstrate against rate hikes. Not.
McCain is trying to pull it here in AZ and he is advertising that he is against Obama and all of his policies. I guess he thinks that's the way to win the primary and he now has 3 contenders!!!! YEAAAAAA
And yes, they do have their heads in the sand. It's only when it affects them personally that it will change.
I will definitely want to know why they're bankrupting Americans so they can cover their overhead. When, I'm in debt, I don't get to sponge off other hard working people.
Shame on them, I say.
Actually, Wellpoint defended the increase. Olberman had a segment on 2/16 about it. Turns out the defense was the exact rationale for comprehensive healthcare reform.
Look on Feb. 16 - "Wellpoint defends premium increase"