WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces two full committee hearings on “Deceptive Health Insurance Industry Practices – Are Consumers Getting What They Paid For?”
The Committee will be holding two back-to-back hearings examining how the health insurance industry reimburses consumers for health care services. These hearings will focus on the way the industry calculates “usual and customary” reimbursement rates for consumers who choose to receive care from out-of-network doctors and other health care providers.
A recent investigation conducted by the Attorney General of New York concluded that for a number of years, the insurance industry has systematically under-estimated the out-of-network reimbursement rates it pays its policy holders, costing consumers billions of dollars in excessive out-of-pocket costs. The Committee will take testimony about this investigation and about its implications for consumers nationwide.
PART I Witness List*
Ms. Linda A. Lacewell, Counsel for Economic and Social Justice and Head of the Healthcare Industry Taskforce, Office of the New York State Attorney General
Dr. Mary Jerome, Yonkers, NY
Dr. Nancy H. Nielsen, President, American Medical Association
Mr. Chuck Bell, Programs Director, Consumers Union
*not necessarily in order of appearance
PART II Witness List*
Mr. Stephen J. Hemsley, President and Chief Executive Officer, UnitedHealth Group
Mr. Andy Slavitt, Chief Executive Officer, Ingenix
*not necessarily in order of appearance
PART I: Deceptive Health Insurance Industry Practices – Are Consumers Getting What They Paid For?
Full Committee
Date: Thursday, March 26, 2009
Hearing Start Time: 10:30 a.m.
Press Pre-Set Time: 9:45 a.m.
Location: Room 253, Russell Senate Office Building
PART II: Deceptive Health Insurance Industry Practices – Are Consumers Getting What They Paid For?
Full Committee
Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Hearing Start Time: 10:00 a.m.
Press Pre-Set Time: 9:15 a.m.
Location: Room 253, Russell Senate Office Building
###