FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 17, 2006

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Indiana State Association of Health Underwriters Supports the Governor's

Health Insurance and Wellness Initiative

(Indianapolis, IN) -- Governor Mitch Daniels announced his healthcare wellness/ health insurance initiative for Indiana's poorest residents.  ISAHU believes the Governor's plan to increase the tobacco tax and use that revenue to pay for healthcare programs and help the poorest Hoosiers purchase health insurance is a much needed first step to increase the overall wellness of Indiana residents, and reduce the number of uninsured in the state.

"The Indianapolis Association of Health Underwriters (IAHU) strongly believes that a public-private partnership is necessary to address the issue of excessive, expensive healthcare that is affecting all Hoosiers," stated Anita Strauss, IAHU President.  “The state must play a roll in reducing the number of smokers in Indiana and its effects on healthcare costs that are passed on to all Hoosiers.  The Governors' plan aims to do just that," added Strauss.

A second component of the Governors' plan includes assisting Indiana's poorest residents to purchase private insurance plans to reduce the number of uninsured in the State.  The plan will act as an incentive for Hoosiers to become better purchasers of healthcare. 

In addition to the Governors’ plan, IAHU also strongly believes the State should immediately enact legislation that will establish standard pricing transparency guidelines.  "In order to help people become better purchasers of health care, they must have the ability to understand the cost.  Transparency is a significant step towards that goal," stated Strauss.  "With health care inflation expected to continue at two times the rate of general inflation, failure to enact transparency legislation will only hinder the ability of Hoosiers to reign in health care costs that continue to add to premium increases," added Strauss.

The Indianapolis Association of Health Underwriters applauds the Governor and the legislature for addressing this very difficult issue that affects all Hoosiers.  Failure to act will only add to the number of uninsured and increase costs to everyone.

The mission of the Indianapolis Association of Health Underwriters is to improve its members' ability to meet the health, financial and retirement security needs of all Americans through education, advocacy and professional developments.  IAHU supports over 400 members, committed to sensible health care coverage, and will continue to push for meaningful health insurance that is affordable to everyone.  IAHU members adhere to the highest ethical standards of conduct in the industry.

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