DES MOINES, IOWA (AP) -- Legislative Democrats say they will introduce a measure that would force insurance companies to publicly justify rate increases and be open about factors that might lead to lower rates.
Des Moines Rep. Janet Petersen discussed the measure at a Thursday news conference, saying lawmakers could begin acting on the plan as early as next week.
Under the measure, the state's insurance commissioner would file a detailed report on health insurance spending, including the data behind rate increase and factors that go into health insurance costs.
Legislators questioned how rates are set, noting a planned average 18 percent increase for about 80,000 Iowans announced by Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
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