|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
MEDIA
CONTACT: Bob Caton |
State Rep. Todd Eachus |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Democratic lawmakers work to protect health insurance customers
HAZLETON, Feb. 7 -- State Reps. Todd Eachus and Phyllis Mundy said the House Insurance Committee approved legislation today that would help protect consumers when large health insurance companies consolidate.
“When large insurance companies merge, or one company purchases a smaller one, too often the families paying for coverage are lost in the shuffle,” Mundy said. “House Bill 112 will give the state needed oversight to make sure that consumers get needed protection without putting an undue burden on insurance companies.”
“Several years ago one of the ‘Blues’ bought six smaller insurance companies and the state could do nothing but stand by and watch,” Eachus said. “When one company buys up all the competition and creates a monopoly, there’s no competition to give consumers options when it comes to services and price, and that’s not good for the public.”
The lawmakers noted that this proposal would allow lawmakers and state officials to examine pending mergers and consolidation and make sure that the public good is always at the forefront.
The legislation now goes to the full House for consideration.
##bc/2007/bt
l:\print\releases\HB112.116