Surpluses of nonprofit health insurers in WA at $2.4 billion

The Seattle Times had a story today about a change in the law we've proposed.

The background: Washington's three major health insurers -- all of whom are non-profit companies -- have amassed surpluses totalling more than $2.4 billion.

Commissioner Kreidler is asking lawmakers to let him consider those surpluses when the companies propose increases in health insurance premiums. The That, hopefully, could ease future premium hikes. In the individual and small group markets, insurance premiums, on average, have more than doubled since 2005.

The bill is SB 5247. It has cleared a key committee and is currently in the Senate's Rules Committee.