Day: May 5, 2014

Health Care Spending Jump 30 Year High

Health care spending grew  9.9 percent in the first quarter of 2014,according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis,  Business Insider reported, April 30.

The jump is the biggest percent change in health care spending in more than 30 year.

In 1980, health care spending rose 10 percent in the third quarter of the year.  The United States is spending more on health care than ever before in history after adjusting for inflation.

Hat tip National Center for Policy Analysis for Health Care Spending Jump 30 Year High

Health Care Spending Jump 30 Year High

HB 2104 Limits Electric Rate Hikes

The House Consumer Affairs Committee, April 30, approved HB 2104, which would limit electric rate hikes for customers with variable rate plans to no more than 30 percent per billing cycle, reports State Rep. Jim Cox (R-129).

Many consumers experienced alarmingly high electric bills, after the harsh winter, said Cox. Most of these unusually high costs affected consumers with variable rate plans.

House Bill 2104 also would require switching requests to be completed within five business days; outline language all electric supplier contracts would contain to clearly explain terms; and give the Public Utility Commission (PUC) specific authority to investigate customer complaints related to the rates charged by electric generation suppliers.

The legislation now awaits additional consideration by the full House.
HB 2104 Limits Electric Rate Hikes