Calif. insurers, doctor groups band together to fight insurance referendum

California health insurers and several doctors groups are banding together to oppose a ballot measure that would let officials regulate health insurance rate increases.

California Healthline: Health Insurers, Physician Group Oppose Ballot Initiative
Yesterday, a coalition of health insurance organizations, the California Medical Association, the California Hospital Association and other groups announced they were joining forces to fight a ballot measure designed to regulate health insurance rate increases. "This initiative does nothing to address the cost drivers in the health care system," according to Paul Phinney, president-elect of the CMA (Gorn, 3/13).

Los Angeles Times: Ballot Escalates Over Ballot Measure On Health Insurance Premiums
The proposed ballot initiative seeks to give the California Department of Insurance the same rate-setting authority over health insurance that it already holds over auto and property policies. This issue has generated strong interest among many consumers hit with significant rate hikes on their health coverage in recent years 
(Terhune, 3/13).