Health care premiums to increase 14.1% in 2008

I wonder how long this issue can be ignored? Hewitt Associates is projecting that HMO premium rates will increase 14.1% in 2008. So, our system that performs poorly in regards to doctors per capita, infant mortality, and life expectancy will see an increase at over three times inflation in 2008. It not only harms United States citizens, it also costs this country jobs. We're already paying double per citizen versus other first-world nations with superior metrics.

Michael Moore couldn't have timed his movie Sicko much better. It exposes some of misinformation that is readily spread by special interests in regards to other national systems, and people are going to feel a major hit in their pocket book soon--yet again. Hey, at least the government is looking into charging our 9/11 rescue workers who finally got proper care in Cuba. Wouldn't addressing this problem be a better use of their time? Of course, the five-cent pharmaceuticals they received aren't likely to keep the special interests happy. Think about the money those poor pharmaceutical companies lost when they're charing $175 here.