After Austin American Statesman reporter Mary Ann Roser filed her story about skyrocketing health insurance premiums in Texas, (AAS April 29, "Report: Texas insurance premiums jump 40 percent from 2001 to 2005"), TAFP President Linda Siy, M.D., sent a letter to the editor. It hasn't been published yet, so we're publishing it here:
"Mary Ann Roser’s story, 'Report: Texas insurance premiums jump 40 percent from 2001 to 2005,' cites a fact that bears repeating: health insurance premiums for Texans in employer-sponsored plans rose 10 times faster than their wages from 2001 to 2005. These unsustainable increases force employers to shift more costs to their employees, to enroll in plans that offer less coverage, or to stop providing health coverage entirely. At a time of record profits for health insurers, are these premium increases justified? What portion of the premium dollar pays for medical care and how much goes to fill the health plans’ coffers? The next Legislature must ensure price transparency and consumer protections to ensure health insurance companies are not taking advantage of hard working Texans."
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