Yes on 45 to Regulate Health Insurance Rates

My friend Nathan writes "In 36 out of 50 states, the state has the authority to control health insurance rates.  This sensible proposition would add California to that list." Currently, California's regulators can review rates but cannot do anything about unreasonable rates. A little regulation may help.



And don't be deterred by the opposition's TV ads. They express concerns about having "one Sacramento politician"  regulate rates, but I say better to have regulation by someone we elect than having the insurance companies decide the rates entirely on their own! And their other concern, that Big Brother will follow you into the exam room, is debunked by the independent Legislative Analyst's explanation: Prop 45 will allow the Insurance Commissioner to regulate rates, benefits, co-pay amounts, and deductibles, but not other characteristics of health insurance.

The California Nurses' Association backs it, so does the Democratic party and most of organized labor. Opponents are mostly insurance companies, the hospital association, and the California chapter of the AMA. See Ballotpedia for a fuller list of supporters & opponents.