Gov. Sanders opposes insurance rate hikes

The governor’s office released a statement Wednesday following filings from Centene Corporation and Blue Cross Blue Shield that show premium rates would rise on the insurance plans they offer in Arkansas by as much as 54% and 25.5%.
 
“Arkansans are tired of getting outrageous bills from multi-billion-dollar insurance companies, and my administration will not allow them to take advantage of our people. Nothing justifies year-over-year premium increases of this scale – it’s wrong and prohibited under Arkansas law.
 
“Arkansas’ Insurance Commissioner is required to disapprove of proposed rate increases if they are excessive or discriminatory, and these are both. I’m calling on my Commissioner to follow the law, reject these insane rate increases, and protect Arkansans,” Sanders said.