House Approves Insurance Antitrust Bill

(AP)  The House has voted to repeal the health insurance industry's exemption from federal antitrust laws, giving Democrats an easy win on health care a day ahead of President Barack Obama's bipartisan health summit.

The vote was 406-19, with most Republicans siding with majority Democrats against a widely unpopular industry which has been under attack by Democrats and consumer advocates for recent rate hikes.

Republican lawmakers complained, though, that the legislation passed Wednesday was largely symbolic and would have little real impact since states already regulate health insurers.

Independent experts largely share that view. Democrats, however, contended that the bill would help consumers by increasing competition.

Prospects are dim in the Senate.

CBSNews.com Special Report: Health Care

[noloyalisti]

Yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus. Yes, Americans, big corporations own and run the government for their own profit.

Not having American citizens covered by health insurance is a moral outrage. Where are the Tea Baggers and other religious people crying out for universal health care?

[scottmoore_seattle]

Why was the insurance industry EVER above the law? Why were the NOT subject to antitrust laws???!!

Nobody, no industry should be above the law, or NOT subject to antitrust laws. That's just stupid.

[confused2byu]

Because insurance companies have the biggest pockets and lobbyist in Washington. Polictians, insurance companies, BANKS, and lobbyist are not interest in making things better for us voters just ensuring that they get richer while we suffer.

[sjc_1]

Insurance companies are linked by actuarial data. The demographics and statistics shape what the risk and rates are. If there were real competition, they would become more efficient. They would rather deny claims and raise rates than become efficient and control costs.

[retm-w]

The Repubs are right the States regulate insurance, so this means absolutly nothing. Of course the Dems want to take away as much of the States power as they can.

[starving1968-3]

"Prospects are dim in the Senate."





Of course they are - because the republicans in the senate act like nazi's, wielding the filibuster like they're clubbing baby seals.

Their "too hell with America" attitude is just repulsive.

[jckbrn-2009]

And all intelligence reside with your chosen group ? ? ??
What a fool- stupid & ignorant ! ! !

[0000000000007]

See folks, they worked together. golf clap