Health insurers are increasing premiums for thousands of subscribers, citing the rising price of hospital care, according to various reports.
In California, prices charged to commercial health plans rose by 159 percent between 2000 and 2009, according to a Sacramento Bee report. In the same time period, hospital prices jumped 150 percent. The California Association of Health Plans acknowledged the challenges faced by hospitals and other facilities as they provide free care to those without insurance or too poor to pay their hospital bills, a problem that often results in shifting costs to patients with private insurance.
Insurance companies say those rising costs are simply passed on to their customers, causing the dramatic rise in premiums. Critics say insurance companies use healthcare reform as an excuse to raise premiums.
The rise in premiums has affected hospital workers too. As of Jan. 1, some part-time Brigham and Women's Hospital employees will see their premium payments rise by 300-500 percent for the coming year, according to a Common Health report.
Read more on health insurance:
-Congress Passes One-Year Fee Fix, President's Signature Expected
-Arizona Hospitals Prepare for Cuts to State Medicaid Program
-House GOP Panels May Examine Health Trade Groups, Deals on Reform Bill
In California, prices charged to commercial health plans rose by 159 percent between 2000 and 2009, according to a Sacramento Bee report. In the same time period, hospital prices jumped 150 percent. The California Association of Health Plans acknowledged the challenges faced by hospitals and other facilities as they provide free care to those without insurance or too poor to pay their hospital bills, a problem that often results in shifting costs to patients with private insurance.
Insurance companies say those rising costs are simply passed on to their customers, causing the dramatic rise in premiums. Critics say insurance companies use healthcare reform as an excuse to raise premiums.
The rise in premiums has affected hospital workers too. As of Jan. 1, some part-time Brigham and Women's Hospital employees will see their premium payments rise by 300-500 percent for the coming year, according to a Common Health report.
Read more on health insurance:
-Congress Passes One-Year Fee Fix, President's Signature Expected
-Arizona Hospitals Prepare for Cuts to State Medicaid Program
-House GOP Panels May Examine Health Trade Groups, Deals on Reform Bill