Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Protecting Consumers from Unreasonable Rates Act. This critical health care reform bill would address the soaring cost of insurance premiums. Many factors contribute to increasing premiums, from the increased prevalence of chronic disease to the consolidation of the insurance market. But no matter the root cause of premium hikes, it is important that rate increases are reviewed to ensure they are fair. When consumers see insurance premiums increase by double digits, it can add an additional burden on top of mortgage payments, childcare, and student loans. If rates are unreasonable, they should be blocked or modified. The Protecting Consumers from Unreasonable Rates Act would allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to act on behalf of consumers to protect them against egregious increases in health insurance rates in States that do not take this action. In California and several other States across the Nation, State regulators lack the authority to block or modify extreme health insurance rate increases. This legislation does not change any State's ability to take this action. Rather, it simply allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to help fill in the gaps in the health care regulatory space so consumers in all States would have adequate protections against this type of price gouging.…”