Insurers Offer to Stop Charging Sick People More

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 24, 2009 8:05 PM CDT

(Newser) – The push for health care reform got a significant boost today: Big insurers say they are willing to stop charging higher premiums to people with pre-existing medical conditions, the New York Times reports. In the surprise move, industry leaders say they are willing to give up the practice if Congress makes it mandatory for all Americans to have insurance.

“It was a significant step for them to take,” said Sen. Jeff Bingaman, who presided over a hearing on the matter today. “I hope it moves us closer to something that we could label a consensus.” Two industry leaders—America's Health Insurance Plans and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association—spelled out the shift in letters to senators. If Congress is successful in requiring universal coverage, the larger pool of people would make the change possible. The insurers remain opposed to any government-run plan.

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Big insurers say they're willing to stop charging higher premiums to people with preexisting conditions. (AP GRAPHIC)

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(It's) a very good step in the right direction. As we move toward getting everybody covered, we have to get rid of health status as a rating factor. - Sandy Praeger, Kansas insurance commissioner, on behalf the National Association of Insurance Commissioners

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COMMENTS

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oldgoat

Mar 25, 2009 8:02 AM CDT

I don't think that the plan is a Canada system in the first place and in the 2nd place Obama has said that he would be open to ideas.. Consider the millions that are without health care here, the point that one of the highest reasons for bankruptcy because of medical cost and that we spend more and have less than other countries. Before thinking our system is so great don't forget that the great plan you got now could go away if you lose your job or you get sick and lose coverage. Then try to find insurance with a preexisting condition and you might wonder how great things are.

bacimom

Mar 25, 2009 1:02 AM CDT

Not to mention all the work going off-shore because of reduced medical insurance costs in a lot of those countries. I don't want a single payer plan, but I want universal health care. If people and businesses could get into a large pool it would lower the risks overall so what the companies are saying makes some sense in that regard.

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