Two of the state's three major health insurers -- all of which are nonprofits -- have accrued surpluses of more than $1 billion, even as health premiums have continued their steep rise. The third has more than $450 million.

For several years, our office has asked the state Legislature for the authority to consider health insurers' surpluses when determining if a rate request is reasonable. We're trying again this year with HB 1349 (www.leg.wa.gov).

Surplus is different from an insurer's reserves

Reserves ensure that a company can pay future claims. Reserves are not part of a company's surplus. Surplus is what's left over after accounting for all foreseeable future claims and expenses.

Regence Blue Shield total capital and surplus - $1 billion

Premera Blue Cross total capital and surplus - $1 billion

Group Health Cooperative total capital and surplus - $451 million

Updated 02/19/2013