“Both the State of California through it’s Department of Insurance and the federal government have indicated that they would investigate the rate increases. In addition, the California Assembly’s health committee also will conduct a hearing. The California Insurance Commissioner,  Steve Poizer,  has called on Blue Cross to delay its increases until independent actuary reviews them. The company is reported to be cooperating with the State Insurance Department.

In Washington, Congress has opened an investigation and a subcommittee has scheduled a hearing this month.”

I suspect that the shareholders at Blue Cross want to see their company make record profits too. Further emboldened by the success of the healthcare industries’ puppy, the Tea Party, look for more of this sort of behavior from the nation’s health insurance giants.

Here’s the jump: Blue Cross says 39% rate increase for California individual health insurance policies is justified

One might assume that their business (insuring people), was simply good for the companies.  But the fact of the matter is the exact reverse.  They actually lost 2.6 million customers.  Hmmn, let’s see now, how do you make more money from less customers?  I ain’t no rocket scientist, but there is only one way, charge more and provide less.  This is exactly what they have done in the form of higher premiums and higher co-pays, and the ever popular “coverage denied”.

It’s all here in this eloquently referenced report from Health Care for America Now for those of you willing to consider and for those of us wanting to end the barbaric practice of profiting from human suffering.

Here’s the jump:  Health Insurers Break Profit Records as 2.7 Million Americans Lose Coverage

I was checking one of my “Mississippi” newsfeeds when I ran across the headline “Best States for Healthcare”, good news maybe?  When I clicked on the link, and before the page appeared, the reality hit me, we’re probably on the list as the worst.  I wasn’t surprised when the author got around to the statement, “Of course, any ranking among states must also produce a bottom group. The state with the worst health system is Mississippi, according to the Commonwealth Fund. It’s followed by Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Nevada, Texas, Kentucky, Florida, New Mexico and Illinois.”

Interesting to note how many of Mississippi’s representatives have adamantly opposed healthcare reform measures.  Yes Sir! We’ve worked long and hard to be the worst and by-God we’re gonna keep it that way…….

Here’s the jump: Forbes.com The Best States For Health Care

Here’s the jump: Via Vimeo Best Of What’s New 2009: Bombproof Wallpaper Test

AutoSpies has this good article on the financial condition of the State’s “agreements” with Toyota.  Most apparent to me is the fact that very little conditions were placed on the repayment of the state’s $324 million loan to the auto giant.  I’ll bet they get a good chuckle every time “Mississippi” is mentioned in a Toyota board room.

Here’s the jump: Toyota cost the state of Mississippi Millions

“I have a message for parents, grandparents and caregivers: Do not allow young children to be given or to play with cheap metal jewelry, especially when they are unsupervised,” wrote Inez Tenenbaum, the chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. “We have proof that lead in children’s jewelry is dangerous and was pervasive in the marketplace. To prevent young children from possibly being exposed to lead, cadmium or any other hazardous heavy metal, take the jewelry away.”

Here’s the jump: AP via Yahoo Consumer chief warns: take cheap jewelry from kids

“Toyota is reviving plans to produce its Prius hybrid in an idle factory in Blue Springs, Miss., "when the recovery hits full stride," its senior U.S. executive said tonight.”

Jump to full scoop over at freep: Jan. 12, 2010 Toyota revives plans to build Prius hybrid at idle Mississippi plant

The end of US Internet freedom looms

Here’s the jump to what could turn out to be a very scary site for some unfortunates: Discount MedSpa