Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

By Monique Cala University of New Mexico/ Talk Radio News Service

Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius had harsh words regarding the ‘extreme’ premium increases insurance companies have requested this year.

“We are seeing this at a same time where not only is there an economic down turn around the country, but we know that insurance companies are not suffering that same kind of downturn,” said Sebelius during a conference call with reporters Thursday. “The five largest insurers in America have declared more than $12 billion worth of profits in 2009.”

The Secretary's comments came shortly after Health and Human Services released a report entitled "Insurance Companies Prosper, Families Suffer: Our Broken Health Insurance System," which detailed hikes in premiums, such as Anthem Blue Cross of California, which seeks to raise premiums by up to 39 percent.

Sebelius said she had contacted Blue Cross to ask for an explanation for the hike. In response, the company said they would delay the increase for two months.

According to the report, a recent study found that almost 75 percent of individuals looking for coverage on the individual market never bought a plan, with 61 percent of those who did not purchase insurance citing premium costs as the primary reason.

"The president said we won't fix the economy without fixing our healthcare system,” added Sebelius. “Thats why he invited leadership from the Democrats and Republicans, from the House and Senate, to sit down, roll up their sleeves and talk about a comprehensive health reform plan.”