Health Reform Bill Won't Stop Premium Hikes

Turns out the big health care reform bill doesn't actually rein in those out-of-control premium rate hikes. The Democrats used outrage over whopping increases to corral support for the overhaul, but the bill doesn't deliver, finds the Los Angeles Times, because it doesn't give the government the regulatory authority. "It is a very big loophole in health reform," says Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

Feinstein is pushing new legislation to expand federal and state authority to block excessive rate hikes. President Obama supported her proposal and included it in the blueprint for health reform he floated in February. But congressional rules kept Democrats from including it in the package, says the Times. And insurers say the government should focus on rising costs, which are the reason for the rising premiums.
(More health stories.)