(If you are having trouble viewing the video, please make sure you have the latest version of Flash installed. Click here to download.)
Steve Archambault for Attorney General
Steve Archambault on Buddy Cianci Show on 7% Blue Cross Blue Shield Rate Increase
Steve joined Buddy on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 to talk about Health Insurance Commissioner Chris Koller's decision to grant Blue Cross Blue Shield a 7 % increase --- less than the insurer requested -- but still too high.
STATEMENT OF STEVE ARCHAMBAULT IN RESPONSE TO THE HEALTH INSURANCE COMMISSIONER'S DECISION TO GRANT BLUE CROSS A 7% RATE INCREASE ON DIRECT PAY PLANS
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
Contact: Rob Horowitz 632-0686
Feb. 8, 2010
"While Commissioner Koller's decision to grant a 7% increase is certainly a significant reduction from the 9.5% agreed to by Blue Cross and the Attorney General's office, the increase remains too high for already squeezed Rhode Island families and small businesses. Commissioner Koller should have sent Blue Cross back to the drawing board and demanded that they cut administrative expenses and seek other efficiencies first before asking for rate hikes."
Direct-pay plans are purchased by by Rhode Islanders who do not receive health care from their employer or other group.
Steve Archambault, Democratic candidate for Governor, previously called on Health Commissioner Koller to reject Blue Cross' proposed 10.2 % increase for direct-pay plans: 11.5% increase for small groups and 14.6% increase for large groups.
Archambault, who serves as a Councilman in Smithfield, would bring a broad legal background to the Attorney General's office. His experience as a police officer, local Prosecutor and defense attorney gives him a first-hand understanding of all elements of the criminal justice system.
-- Steve Archambault
Support Steve
Friends of Stephen R. Archambault
16 Whipple Rd., Smithfield, RI 02917