Schatz Encourages Health Insurance Transparency

US Sen. Brian Schatz, courtesy photo.

By Wendy Osher

US Senator Brian Schatz of Hawai’i participated in his first committee hearing in his official congressional capacity today.

The hearing, entitled, “The Power of Transparency: Giving Consumers the Information They Need to Make Smart Choices in the Health Insurance Market,” was hosted by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

Sen. Schatz joined Chairman Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia in expressing that transparency in health insurance policies is needed for consumers to better understand policies and carefully select a health care plan.

“It is critical for Hawai‘i families to have access to the right information when making important decisions about their health insurance,” said Sen. Schatz.

“Whether it’s individuals that are Limited English Proficient or lower income households that don’t have the means to access the internet to research health care plans, we must ensure that all consumers have access to the information they need,” said Sen. Schatz.

Relevant information, he said, helps consumers better understand complicated health insurance policies so that they can select a plan that is appropriate for their family.