Statement from HPA President and CEO Eric Linzer
“Health insurance premiums and health care costs are inextricably linked. The major factor driving the growth in premiums is the increase in prices charged by hospitals, providers, and drug companies.
“The rates health plans submitted in May were reasonable and appropriate, reflecting rising prices for medical services and prescription drugs, greater utilization and increased costs from care that was deferred due to the pandemic, and government taxes and assessments on insurance.
“Our member plans remain committed to working with state leaders to expand coverage and make health care affordable for every New Yorker. To achieve that goal and provide meaningful relief to consumers and employers, the focus needs to be on measures to address the underlying factors that are driving rising health care costs.”