The Internet has made many businesses and industries more transparent, competitive and accountable to their consumers. Unfortunately, the insurance industry is not among them.

Purchasing insurance is still a frustrating and confusing process for many. The health insurance industry lacks transparency and accountability. Insurance companies, like Anthem, often have little or no competition.

The creation of a consumer friendly Virginia Health Insurance Exchange would force the insurance companies to compete and meet quality standards. Small businesses, the self-employed and the uninsured currently have a difficult time finding affordable health insurance coverage. A Health Benefits Exchange is a common sense way to address skyrocketing health care costs by building an easy to understand marketplace. The Virginia General Assembly has several bills this session to move forward with Exchange. Please consider contacting the following representatives to request that they support these very important bills:

• Senator Bill Stanley (SB#383) / 804-698-7520 / http://senatorbillstanley.com
• Delegate Danny Marshall (HB#357) / 804-698-1014 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Delegate Donald Merricks (HB#357) / 804-698-1016 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it