Ga. Insurance Commissioner: Obamacare to Force 'Massive Rate Increases Up to 198 percent'
2:28 PM, Jul 30, 2013 • By DANIEL HALPER
n a press release today, Georgia insurance commissioner Ralph T. Hudgens warns that, because of Obamacare, "Georgia insurance companies are demanding massive rate increases up to 198 percent for some individuals." Hudgens claims this runs contrary to President Obama's promise to "Americans that Obamacare would lower rates."
As a result, Hudgens "announced today that he has requested an emergency delay of the filing deadline for Obamacare rates from U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, and for her to show reasons why the rates submitted by Georgia health insurers are not justified by Obamacare," his state office explains.
The commissioner of insurance office explains:
Companies opting to participate in the Exchange have provided the Department with evidence that their rates are justified and in compliance with Georgia law, citing the new Obamacare mandates as the reason.
In a letter faxed to Sebelius on Monday, Hudgens sought protection for Georgians by requesting an emergency 30 day delay of submission of his rate review to allow Department staff additional time to analyze the increases.
Hudgens adds, “I was always skeptical of Obamacare. ... But I never imagined that it would lead to rates being doubled or tripled. ... Increases of this magnitude will make coverage less affordable and increase the number of uninsured in Georgia.”
http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/ga-insurance-commissioner-obamacare-force-massive-rate-increases-198-percent_742311.html