One reason I don't trust the insurance companies:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...100904085.html North Dakota Scandal Raises Concerns About Health Co-op Route
By Karl Vick
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, October 10, 2009
BISMARCK, N.D. -- For the North Dakota insurance sales reps, March may have been the ideal time to enjoy the swim-up bar at a resort on Grand Cayman Island. But back on the northern Plains, where temperatures were below zero, policyholders at Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota were less delighted when they learned about the trip for 66 staff members and guests.
Word of the $238,000 Caribbean retreat broke last winter, compounded by news of other perks: $15 million in executive bonuses over five years, $400,000 for charter flights and $35,000 for a vice president's retirement party. And when the ensuing uproar cost Michael Unhjem his job as chief executive, his landing was softened by a $2.5 million severance payment. The golden parachute had been added to his contract after his 2006 drunken-driving arrest, a state audit pointed out.
Yep, the insurance companies are concerned about costs, all right. They're concerned that health care reform will end the days of executives pigging out at the money trough, enriching themselves while increasing the costs of premiums and cutting benefits to those in need.
It wouldn't surprise me if, without health care reform, insurance PREMIUMS for American families could eventually cost $26,000 a year.
$26,000 / Year /Family
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