WV Health Insurance Premiums Rising Four Times As Fast As Wages
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September 21, 2009
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Health insurance premiums in West Virginia skyrocketed by more than 100 percent between 2000 and 2009. A demonstration Tuesday comes in the wake of that information, released by Families USA. The consumer health organization also reports that median earnings in the state rose by only 25 percent in that period.
Ron Pollack, Families USA executive director, says the numbers from West Virginia mirror the national trend.
"Health insurance premiums for family coverage rose by 93 percent on average nationwide, while median earnings rose by only 19 percent."
West Virginia Citizen Action plans to protest what the group calls insurance company efforts to block reform. Executive director Gary Zuckett says the industry is spending more than half a million dollars a day lobbying Congress. Citizen Action and other groups will be taking part in a national protest on Tuesday called "Big Insurance, We're Sick Of It."
"Insurance companies need to get out of the way, quit spending our premium dollars to block health care, and start being good neighbors."
Families USA favors health care reform, Pollack says, including some kind of robust public option. Critics have attacked that as a government takeover of a profitable industry, but Pollack warns that doing nothing would be a disaster for American businesses and families.
In addition to paying higher premiums, Pollack adds, policy-holders have been getting less for their money.
"These increasing premium costs are purchasing thinner coverage: Policies have higher deductibles, higher co-payments and cover less."
The insurance industry argues they provide a necessary service though a highly regulated market, and they have the right to free speech.
The Citizen Action rally will take place in front of Coventry Insurance, 500 Virginia St., Charleston, on Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Information: 304-346-5891.
The Families USA report is based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. More information is available at www.familiesusa.org or by calling 202-628-3030.