March 26, 2010
Take Action: Ask Your Senators to Support a Bill to Repeal Insurance Anti-Trust Exemption
On Feb. 24, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed HR4626, Colorado Rep. Betsy Markey’s bill that would enact a full repeal of the antitrust exemptions in place for the insurance industry.
Currently, the exemption allows health insurance companies to work jointly to set rates without fear of federal antitrust scrutiny.
When this type of behavior is allowed, consumers are hurt by a reduction in innovation and variety in the marketplace, compared to what would be offered in an atmosphere of robust competition between insurance providers. Originally, this issue was slated to be addressed as part of the federal healthcare reform package, but was recently carved out as detailed in a Denver Post article last month.
Six of Colorado’s seven federal representatives voted to support HR4626. Rep. Lamborn from Colorado Springs was one of the only “no” votes on the bill.
Now HR4626 must be approved by the U.S. Senate, where a more challenging environment is expected. This makes your action especially critical. Please take just 5 minutes to write your Senator now using the ADA’s easy communication system. Ask your Senators to help bring HR4626 to the Senate floor for a vote.
