Is Anthem gouging its customers?
A doctor and an emergency room nurse care for a patient in the ER of Mission Community Hospital on January 28, 2009 in Panorama City, California.
Health insurer Anthem Blue Cross is increasing its rates for Californians with individual policies, with reports of premium increases of as much as 39%. Individual policies are often used by those who are self-employed, or who do not receive coverage through their employer. In response, state Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner has called for an investigation of the rate hikes. Under California law, insurers can increase rates an anytime, but must notify the state Department of Insurance and prove that they are spending 70% of premiums on medical care.
Guests:
Robert Zirkelbach, Press Secretary, America's Health Insurance Plans, a national trade association representing nearly 1,300 health insurance companies
Daryl Ng, Spokesman for Steve Poizner, California Insurance Commissioner
Shana Alex Lavarreda, MPP, Director of Health Insurance Studies, UCLA Center for Health Policy Research
- AirTalk for February 5, 2010
- Is Anthem gouging its customers?
- Villaraigosa orders 1,000 jobs cut: end of LA budget impasse?
- Florida gets ready for Super Bowl XLIV
- FilmWeek
- True stories from Up in the Air
Also on this episode
Events
Film Week Oscar Preview
Sunday, February 19, 2012
1 p.m.
- 3 p.m.
It’s a hit with boffo box office! The 10th annual “Film Week on AirTalk” Academy Awards preview is coming to the historic Egyptian Theater on Hollywood Boulevard, Sunday, February 19th. The full cast of “Film Week” critics joins Larry Mantle to debate which nominees should take the top categories. Audience ... » More info
