On the heels of the pro-Obamacare Kaiser Foundation's study showing consumers can expect double digit rate increases for Obamacare insurance plans, the White House is digging in to a political slush fund that gives money to state insurance regulators for the purpose of "rate reviews." These reviews examine requests by insurance companies for rate increases. The money will allow states to hire "outside experts" who will go over the suggested rate increases with a fine tooth comb, looking to disprove the company's need for big increases. The Hill: The federal health department announced Wednesday that it will dole out about $22 million to boost state-level "rate reviews," considered one of the strongest weapons against premium increases.  Under the system, health insurers are required to justify rate increases to state insurance departments, some of which have the power to reject “unreasonable” increases. With the new...(Read Full Post)