ADVISORY/Experts Available to Discuss Rise in California's Health Care Premiums.

Business Editors

ADVISORY...

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

TOPIC: A study conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research and Education Trust found health insurance premiums have increased more in California than the national average, according to an article by The San Diego Union-Tribune. While employees nationwide contributed 27 percent to insure their families in 2003, California workers paid 30 percent. Some experts believe small businesses are struggling the most as a result of these increased premiums. The study was based on 864 interviews with California employee benefits managers in private firms.

EXPERTS: ExpertSource can offer several highly qualified experts to comment on this story:

Paul Devore, CEO of Encino, Calif.-based Financial Management Services, Inc., can discuss what the rising health care costs mean to employers of all sizes--from small mom-and-pop businesses to large corporations. He can also talk about how businesses can control these costs and comment whether these rising costs will continue. PR Contact: Diane Rumbaugh 805-493-2877 [e-mail]

Tim Noonan is chief executive officer and president of Lockton Insurance Brokers, Inc., the Los Angeles subsidiary of Lockton Companies -- the nation's largest independently owned commercial insurance brokerage firm with more than 2,000 Associates and a premium volume exceeding $3 billion. The company is recognized for providing creative solutions to risk management, loss prevention, and loss cost reduction for a diverse range of clients and industries. Noonan has been involved in the commercial insurance and risk management industry for over 20 years. Recognized for his expertise in risk management issues, Noonan has authored numerous articles for the healthcare industry and has been invited to speak before the American Society of Healthcare Risk Managers (ASHRM). PR Contact: Linda O'Hanlon 818-386-1916 [e-mail]

Aline Roberts is president of California Association of Health Underwriters. She also sits on the Ventura County Foundation Living Wage Coalition's Health Coverage Task Force. Roberts holds a securities license from the National Association of Securities Dealers, allowing her to provide investments such as mutual funds, variable annuities or unit investment trust in addition to life, health and disability insurance coverage. She currently operates her own agency. PR Contact: Dawn Pace 323-466-3445 [e-mail]

ExpertSource cannot guarantee the immediate availability of these experts or their familiarity with this specific issue.

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