Letters: Kaiser’s premium push

Re “Kaiser’s rising premiums spark employer backlash,” July 25

Why is HMO Kaiser Permanente raising its premiums through the roof?

In his book “Deadly Spin,” former insurance company executive Wendell Potter wrote that the health insurance industry is dominated by a few large companies that have no reason to keep rate increases reasonable.

I say that if insurance companies such as Kaiser Permanente continue to raise rates with impunity, don’t be surprised if voters demand the public insurance option that President Obama originally proposed as part of his healthcare reform plan.

Bruce West

Laguna Beach

It is a disservice to publish an article about a difference in premiums among health plans without comparing benefits.

From your story, it is impossible to know whether The Times is comparing apples with apples or apples with oranges.

For example, a $1,673 a month PPO plan might have higher deductibles, co-pays and professional charges, plus tighter limits on prenatal services, mental health care, annual hospital days, durable medical equipment and prescription drug coverage, than a $1,720 HMO plan.

Harold N. Bass, MD

Porter Ranch

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