California legislators toil over bill that could give insurance regulators increased authority

California lawmakers have been embroiled in a legislative battle over the authority of the state’s insurance regulators. Earlier this year, legislation was introduced that would expand the power of regulators and give them full authority to deny or approve insurance rate increases from the state’s insurance companies. Under the law, regulators would be able to deem rate increases unjustified and excessive with minimal information to back up their determination. This legislation has attracted its fair share of opponents, but the bill’s supporters say that the state must be able to…

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California health insurers proposed rate hikes delayed

Early last month, California Insurance Commissioner, Dave Jones, called for a delay on a proposed rate hike on premiums from Blue Shield. The rate hikes would have raised premiums by at least 60% and would have gone into effect March 1st. Blue Shield has agreed to postpone the hikes for 60 days after becoming the focus of demonstrations from citizens and health care professionals. Blue Shield initiated proposed the rate hikes as a necessary measure in light of the rising cost of medical care and associated expenses. They claim that…

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