Perhaps in response to national outrage, Anthem Blue Cross—the state's largest for-profit health insurer—announced Saturday they will postpone (by at least two months) their planned 39% premium hike on 800,000 individual subscribers. Is this just further, egregious proof of why we need health care reform? Is there any limit to how high they can raise their rates? Patt checks in with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, who pressed Anthem for a real explanation after rejecting their claim that the hikes are "unfortunate but necessary" because of rising medical costs and a smaller patient base. We also hear from state Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner, who is leading an investigation into the rate hikes.
A week after citing the movement was being derailed due to “dirty tricks” by Sacramento special interests groups, the Bay Area-based group hoping to organize a statewide constitutional convention announced Friday they have hit a bump in the road, lack of money. The group has called California’s government “dysfunctional” and that major reforms are necessary to reduce the influence of special interest groups and end the gridlock in Sacramento. We find out exactly why the group has stopped its campaign, and how will this affect future reform groups from shaking up the status quo.
The Obama Administration is in the midst of a massive campaign (headed by 1st lady Michelle Obama) to push unhealthy snack foods (sodas, French fries, and yes, Snickers) out of public schools and replace them with healthy alternatives. The goal is to reduce childhood obesity but the price tag for all the nutritious food could be high. Apparently, the plan is getting some tepid bipartisan support in Congress (legislation is on the horizon) but the jury is out on whether kids will go for replacing their Twinkies with carrots.
If you like your job, I would be careful about that bumper sticker on your car. Most Americans have no clue that the First Amendment doesn’t apply to private corporations at all; you could be fired because of a status update on your Facebook. In terms of its employees, a corporation can fire you for anything short of eavesdropping on your personal conversation. Feel safe? Didn’t think so. Workers have very little protection against being fired, believe it or not, and it doesn’t even have to be considered legitimate business rationale. Patt talks to the advocate of workers everywhere, Lewis Maltby, about precautions you can take to help keep your job.
Patt Morrison is known for its innovative discussions of local politics and culture, as well as its presentation of the effects of national and world news on Southern California.
