Paul Tonko: “That simply states, no choice, no choice for the consumer. That means a runaway with costs that are going to be so…”

“That simply states, no choice, no choice for the consumer. That means a runaway with costs that are going to be so inflated. When you look at some of the stats out there, the large five, the big five insurance companies, you know, we look at that profit column, at some $12-plus billion, a 56 percent increase from calendar year 2008 to 2009. $12-plus billion. You know, those are benefits that could be shared. As you said, you know, we understand it's a capitalist society. There are efforts out there, obviously, to be productive and be profitable. But 12 billion, a 56 percent growth, when average household incomes are flatlined, is very difficult to absorb for our constituents, for consumers out there. And then to even look at the track record over the last decade from 2000 to 2009, to know that 250 percent increase was the outcome for profits. The time is more than past. And as all these commissions had indicated, the Association of Attorneys General, all speaking out in defense of this. It's no wonder everyone is promoting this reform.”