AHIP President, CEO Says Health Insurance Industry Would Accept Stronger Federal Regulation, Stop Charging Women Higher Premiums Than Men

SOURCE:  Medical News Today

DATE:  May 7, 2009

EXCERPT:  "During a Senate Finance Committee hearing on Tuesday, America's Health Insurance Plans President and CEO Karen Ignagni said members would concede to ... to stop charging women more for coverage and to accept new consumer protections  ....  if all U.S. residents are required to obtain coverage.

... women who purchase their own health insurance often are charged 25% to 50% more than men for identical coverage in the individual market. .... Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) during Tuesday's hearing said, "The disparity between women and men in the individual insurance market is just plain wrong, and it has to change." "  more