AARP Pushes for Healthcare Reform

By WEEK Producer

July 15, 2010 Updated Apr 8, 2009 at 5:23 PM CST

AARP and several consumer groups want more accountability from private insurance companies.

They are pushing for approval of a house bill to reform the healthcare system. They brought their message to Peoria's riverfront Wednesday.

The bill, Health Insurance Consumer Protection Act would, require insurance companies to spend 75–percent of premium costs on medical care rather than executive salaries or profits.

"We've seen in other states that have these requirements that people are aware of how much of their premium dollars are going towards their care. And that's really what we want to achieve," said Emily Miller with Illinois Public Interest Research Group.

Supporters say people who are being laid off can no longer afford to get healthcare because of soaring costs.

Now that it's passed the Illinois house, the state senate must approve the bill before it the governor can sign it into law

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