Call on Senator Sampson TODAY to curb premium increases

The New York State Senate may vote on legislation today that would require insurance companies to get approval from the State Insurance Department before they raise premium rates. The bill would also require that individual and small group plans spend 82 cents of every premium dollar on actual medical care and services. Currently insurers in New York can increase premiums by simply filing a new rate, alleging that they will spend 80 cents of every premium dollar on health care and services, and beginning to use it. The state insurance department has found that premiums included millions in overcharges, requiring refunds to consumers.

The Senate Democratic Conference Leader John Sampson and your senator need to hear from you now. Make your voice heard. Call Senator Sampson at 518-455-2788 with the following message:

I urge you to support legislation that would require insurance companies to get prior approval from the State Insurance Department before they raise premium rates. Limiting premium increases will help New York’s families keep their coverage and will save the state the money that would be spent on public health insurance or charity care for people who are forced to drop their coverage. Do the right thing for New Yorkers who need health coverage.

Then call your Senator with the same message. You can reach your senator through the Senate Switchboard at 518-455-2800.