Biden says rising health premiums show need for overhaul

Vice President Joe Biden said new data showing health-insurance premiums rising faster in every state than wages or inflation highlight the need for healthcare legislation. The administration released a report with new figures showing the growth in premiums state-by-state over the last decade. Compiled by the National Economic Council, the report says that from 1999 to 2009 premium growth ranged from 88% in Michigan to 145% in Alaska. During the same period, wages and inflation rose in the U.S. by 38% and 28%, respectively.