But since not all insurers the state are not-for-profit, insurance company profits may well be a factor, though perhaps less than in Washington than other states.

As for the charge that the story misrepresents what the report says, here is the exact text from the report in its section on Washington state:

Another major cause of rising premiums is the weak (or nonexistent) regulation of insurance companies. Currently, insurance companies are governed by a hodgepodge of state and federal rules. In many states, insurance companies have free rein over how much of each dollar they collect in premiums is retained as profit or spent on overhead, such as advertising and marketing.

So, while many may disagree with the report’s view — Families USA, as the story noted, does advocate from health reform — the reporting is accurate in representing that view.

Michael McCarthy
Editor

It’s also not suprising that the report fails to cite one of the largest drivers of health insurance costs; personal health accountability. Much of the “chronic diseases” in this report can be linked to personal behavior. Many middle class Americans spend more money on eating out than they do on their health insurance. As we continue to subsidize unhealthy behavior, of course health care costs are going rise.

Finaly, anyone who has a job that can’t afford health insurance made decisions that put them in that position. The problem won’t be fixed by entitling them to something paid for through others’ responsible behavior.