Sibelius answers question about premium increases under ACA.

[ErikJ]

Sibellius just answered a question from a Democratic Senator (cant remember his name): "We cant continue on the road where somebody suddenly needs to use his policy and is denied because he had a pre-existing condition that he didnt mention on his application. Is there any indication of a slowing of premium increases as a result of the ACA?"

Sebelius: "I would say that premiums have slowed down. We've seen a 16% increase per year for the past decade. Medicaid per capita costs actually decrease last year for the first time. Premium increases have been 16% lower than average in the past years. And much more In states with more companies in the marketplace like New York which makes it more competititive compared to the old monopolistic companies they had before. "

[northoftheborder]

1. This is the most bullying, hostile, accusative Congressional hearing I have ever seen.

The Repubs just want to rant, don't allow Sebelius to answer questions. Just awful.

I hope she gets a couple of good cold margaritas for lunch. She really exhibited a cool head under fire.