Statement by Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers, On Health Insurers’ Efforts To Raise Rates

(The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a report today showing numerous health insurance companies are attempting to raise their rates significantly.)

WASHINGTON—As Americans are doing everything possible to keep their jobs and their homes, health insurers again are proving they are tone-deaf and profit-hungry. Today’s report, which shows numerous efforts by health insurers to hike rates by double-digit percentages, reinforces the urgent need for healthcare reform. All Americans need accessible, affordable, high-quality healthcare, and we need reform to stop health insurance companies from being part of the problem. The AFT, including its more than 70,000 healthcare professionals, will continue to fight for healthcare reform legislation that holds down costs but keeps quality and access high.