HealthCareForAmericaNow

[Chicago, IL] On May 22^nd, Health Care for America Now will release a new report showing how a lack of real competition in the Illinois health insurance marketplace is causing skyrocketing premiums for both patients and employers.

The report shows how a handful of private health insurance companies have built a near-monopoly in the Illinois market, burdening families and businesses with premiums that grew 5.6 times faster than wages from 2000 to 2007.  Illinois’ two largest health insurers control 67% share of the market. Under a competition rating system used by the U.S. Justice Department, the Illinois market is “concentrated.” The local markets are even worse for Rockford (82%), Bloomington-Normal (87%), and Champaign-Urbana (83%) where the US Justice Department considers these local markets “highly concentrated.”

Yesterday, members of the Senate Finance Committee discussed the use of a “trigger” for the implementation of the Public Health Insurance Option.  They are strongly considering the idea that a public health insurance plan would trigger if competition proves inadequate in a geographical region.  It is clear that it is time to pull the trigger and create real competition in Illinois.

Follow link to full report:

http://healthcareforamericanow.org/site/content/new_report_private_insurers_consolidate_and_control_prices

Follow link to press coverage on report:

Lake County Journal

WBBM Radio

Peoria, IL - Health Care for America Now, Illinois Main Street Alliance, Citizen Action/Illinois and 150 community members rallied on May 2^nd to call for real health care reform in 2009. The event was one of 100 taking place in 42 states nationwide. Those gathered called for quality, affordable, and accessible health care for all in 2009. They demanded the choice of keeping your private insurance or enrolling in a strong public health insurance option.

“President Obama made an unwavering commitment to health care reform this year, and the people of Illinois want Congress to support the President and do what it takes to pass quality, affordable health care for all in 2009,” said William McNary, Director of Citizen Action/Illinois.

Despite the fact that everyday 700 people lose their health insurance in Illinois, Peoria Rep. Aaron Schock has voted against expanding the children’s health insurance program (SCHIP), legislation that his predecessor, Ray LaHood, supported.