You did it! I just confirmed that state insurance regulators postponed the secret vote urged by the insurance industry to gut the health reform rule that could force insurers to rein in waste and excessive profits.


Thanks to your quick calls and messages, and the hard work of a few state regulators outraged over the stealth attack, a public spotlight on the vote denied the insurance industry its win.


It’s not over. This key consumer protection requires insurers to spend at least 80 cents of your health care premiums on actual medical care, and cut administrative waste, executive salaries and excessive profits. Beginning next year, consumers will start getting refund checks that could reach $1 billion or more from those insurance companies that refuse to comply.


This makes it the health reform rule that is most hated by the insurance industry, and they are certain to try overturning it again. In fact, the next attempt may happen in just two weeks. I’ll have an update soon about what more we can do to stop them.
 

For now, please take a minute to thank the state regulators who led the charge to protect consumers and block the industry’s attack. If you live in one of the states below, call the insurance department to say thanks for stopping the vote, and ask your commissioner to keep up the fight.
California Commissioner Dave Jones: 916-492-3500
Washington Commissioner Mike Kreidler: 360-725-7000
Connecticut Commissioner Thomas Leonardi: 860-297-3801
Oregon Administrator Teresa Miller: 503-947-7980
