Consumers who buy individual health policies feel trapped

Health insurers across the country are dramatically increasing rates and slashing benefits for many of the estimated 17 million consumers with individual insurance policies, while making it almost impossible to obtain affordable alternatives.

The problems have captured national attention as President Obama steps up his campaign in Washington for a healthcare overhaul and Congress investigates rate hikes of as much as 39% by Anthem Blue Cross in California.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and members of Congress this week continued a drumbeat of criticism of insurers, including Anthem, saying they are putting profits ahead of customers who must buy individual policies rather than group coverage.

Sebelius released a report Thursday that drew attention to big rate hikes sought by insurers in several states, including California, Oregon, Michigan and Connecticut.

"Millions of Americans are in the least secure marketplace . . . the one in which people have virtually no options," Sebelius said. "Their only choice is to pay increases or drop the coverage."

Read the full article at latimes.com