FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HEALTH CARE HEARING PROVIDES
IDEAS, SOLUTIONS

SAN FRANCISCO (May 31, 2008) - In a public hearing yesterday, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) focused on finding solutions to the growing cost of health care in the United States. Held in conjunction with the NAIC Summer National Meeting, the hearing provided regulators with a variety of viewpoints on how to effectively address this important public policy issue.

"Health care is an enormous economic and cultural challenge for the entire nation, involving questions of cost, access and quality. While premiums increase, the costs of health care punish employees, employers, working families and local communities," said Illinois Insurance Director Michael McRaith, chair of the NAIC Health Innovations Working Group. "We heard from a diverse group of national leaders, each of whom advocated for recognition that the status quo cannot continue. Each expert shared promising ideas on how private-public partnerships can improve the quality of care in our country."

The Working Group received comments from:

• America's Agenda
• American Academy of Actuaries, State Health Committee
• California Academy of Family Physicians
• California Health and Human Services Agency
• CIGNA HealthCare
• Coalition to Advance Healthcare Reform
• Kaiser Permanente
• Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
• National Committee for Quality Assurance
• United Food and Commercial Workers International Union

"We heard a comprehensive overview of the many complex issues surrounding health care access, cost and quality," McRaith said. "This information will enhance the states' continuing development of improved health insurance regulation."

For more information and to download comments from the hearing, please visit www.naic.org/committees_b.htm.

About the NAIC

Formed in 1871, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is a voluntary organization of the chief insurance regulatory officials of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. The NAIC has three offices: Executive Office, Washington, D.C.; Central Office, Kansas City, Mo.; and Securities Valuation Office, New York City.

The NAIC serves the needs of consumers and the industry, with an overriding objective of supporting state insurance regulators as they protect consumers and maintain the financial stability of the insurance marketplace. For more information, visit www.naic.org..

You are currently subscribed to the "NAIC News Release" electronic service.
For information regarding this service, please contact the NAIC Communications Division, 2301 McGee Street, Kansas City, MO 64108, 816-783-8909.

To unsubscribe from NAIC Electronic Services, send a blank e-mail to NAIC Opt Out services.

[ NAIC Web Site | Search NAIC and State Insurance Department Sites  ]
[ Copyright & Reprint Info | Privacy Statement]

©2008 National Association of Insurance Commissioners. All rights reserved.