Health Care

In 2010, CALPIRG helped pass a law requiring insurance companies to disclose the justification for their health insurance rate hikes. The disclosure uncovered errors and unjustified claims by insurers that saved Californians $127 million on their health insurance rates in 2011. 

The Supreme Court’s decision to hear arguments on the new health reform law means that soon, the question of its constitutionality will be settled, allowing states and policymakers to focus on lowering costs for consumers without being distracted by counterproductive lawsuits. Upholding the law would be a clear win for consumers, while a bad ruling would pull the rug out from under states and consumers.

California’s health insurance exchange has the potential to be a national leader in delivering better value for consumers, according to Making the Grade, a new report by CALPIRG Education Fund. 

Blue Shield of California followed through on its promise to cap profits at 2% of revenue resulting in a refund of $295 million to policyholders.  This action comes in the midst of increased public scrutiny about major premium increases from several of California’s major health insurers and a push for legislation that would give regulators the authority to reject or reduce unjustified rate hikes.