Health Insurance Industry Contributions to Politicians Block Regulation, Affordability in Health Care Debate,...( New Analysis Shows $4 Million f...),Health

New Analysis Shows $4 Million from Top Health Insurers and HMOs

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Sept. 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the Democratic health care bill goes to a vote today, the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights (FTCR) released a new analysis of health insurance industry contributions to Sacramento politicians which helps explain why they would require Californians to pay for private health insurance but refuse to regulate what insurers can charge for the policies.

Health insurers and their lobbying associations gave a total $4,094,132 to Governor Schwarzenegger, members of the California legislature, and political parties between January 2001 and June 2007.

Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, the architects of a potential health care deal in Sacramento, have led the pack in contributions from the industry. Schwarzenegger has received $719,600, and Nunez has taken $136,300, more than any other legislator.

"No one can say, or will admit, how much health care will cost or who will pay. With $4 million from health insurers and 6 dozen fundraisers in the last three weeks, no one in the capital wants to offend the health insurers," said Jerry Flanagan with FTCR.

AB 8, by Assembly Speaker Nunez, benefits insurers at the expense of Californians by requiring workers and taxpayers to pay for coverage but does not cap what insurers are allowed to charge. Under AB 8:

-- If the cost of coverage exceeds 5% of income, the worker is not

required to buy coverage but will be uninsured or under-insured (forced

to buy a high-deducible, low-benefit policy). Those that currently

receive coverage from their employer may not be able to afford that

coverage in the future.

-- If a worker earns below 300% of the federal poverty level, the worker's

share of coverage is capped at 5% and the remaining cost will be paid

by taxpayers with no regul
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