MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release:

Contact:  Rob Horowitz 632-0686

Feb. 8, 2010

"While Commissioner Koller's decision to grant a 7% increase is certainly a significant reduction from the 9.5% agreed to by Blue Cross and the Attorney General's office, the increase remains too high for already squeezed Rhode Island families and small businesses. Commissioner Koller should have sent Blue Cross back to the drawing board and demanded that they cut administrative expenses and seek other efficiencies first before asking for rate hikes."

Direct-pay plans are purchased by by Rhode Islanders who do not receive health care from their employer or other group.

Steve Archambault, Democratic candidate for Governor, previously called on Health Commissioner Koller to reject Blue Cross' proposed 10.2 % increase for direct-pay plans: 11.5% increase for small groups and 14.6% increase for large groups.

Archambault, who serves as a Councilman in Smithfield, would bring a broad legal background to the Attorney General's office. His experience as a police officer, local Prosecutor and defense attorney gives him a first-hand understanding of all elements of the criminal justice system.