Pelosi's statement on insurance premiums and comprehensive health insurance reform

Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on recent reports detailing the rise of insurance premiums and the need for comprehensive health insurance reform:

"The days of allowing insurance companies to place profits over public health must end.

"We have all been shocked at recent reports of enormous premium increases and record profits in the health insurance industry, while thousands lose health coverage every day. At a time when millions of families are struggling to make ends meet, insurance company CEOs are asking patients to pay more than ever before in higher co-pays and skyrocketing out-of-pocket expenses.

"Never before has the need for health insurance reform been more urgent. Comprehensive reform would keep insurance companies from continuing to gouge average Americans. We will continue to work to rein in unfair premium hikes; drive down costs; limit out-of-pocket spending by our middle class; end discrimination based on pre-existing conditions; and prevent our workers from losing their coverage when they get sick.

"Next week, the House will vote on legislation to remove the special interest anti-trust exemption for health insurance companies. And as we prepare for the bipartisan meeting with the President and Congress next week, we must remember that American families cannot afford the health insurance status quo. We must pass health insurance reform that saves money, saves lives, and secures a better future for all Americans."