Written by
The Associated Press
SACRAMENTO, CA (AP) - A bill that would allow California state officials to reject health insurance rate increases is under intense lobbying pressure as it faces a key committee vote this week.
Groups representing insurers, doctors and hospitals are trying to weaken or kill the bill, which has national implications.
California represents about 15 percent of the national market for those with individual health coverage.
State Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones says the legislation would let regulators block excessive rate hikes, protecting the public from insurance costs that are rising much faster than inflation.
Opponents say AB52 would add bureaucracy and limit access to care but will not fix the underlying problem of rising medical costs driving up insurance rates.
A state Senate committee is scheduled to vote on the bill Wednesday.
The Associated Press