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Politics & Government

Assemblyman Mike Feuer Pitches Health Insurance Bill to Council

The assemblyman speaks to the Brentwood Community Council about his bill to cap rising health insurance rates in the state.

State Assemblyman Mike Feuer (D-42nd District) devoted most of his visit to the Brentwood Community Council meeting speaking about his bill to force health insurance companies to justify any increase in the fees they charge.

Feuer's talk started with a commendation presented to a very surprised council member Jackie Raymond in honor of her many years of service to the community.

"I'm sort of speechless," Raymond said. "I will treasure this forever."

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Feuer's talk mostly focused on his bill to reject increases in health insurance rates without justification. Citing increases of 30 to 86 percent in health insurance rates in the state, even though nationally, health care costs have only risen 3 to 4 percent, Feuer said.

He also pointed out that 34 other states have a similar law and have not seen such increases in health insurance rates.

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The bill passed in the assembly and is now being held on the state senate floor while Feuer tries to get the votes he needs to get it passed.

"I'm probably two to three votes short," he said, adding that small businesses and numerous consumer groups across the state have supported the bill.

Feuer said that he didn't expect any Republicans to support the bill, but said that he needed the support of state senators Ron Calderon, Juan Vargas, Gloria Negrete McLeod, Ed Hernandez and Lou Correa to have enough votes.

"I think it's appropriate for them to be accountable," he said, after giving their names to the council.

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