The California Legislature has introduced legislation that would increase the current annual surcharge on health and disability insurers from 10 cents per insured individual to 20 cents. Bill (AB 2138), by Assembly member Bob Blumenfield (D- Woodland Hills), will help increase funding to fight health and disability insurance fraud in the state. State Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones (D) said he is pleased that lawmakers approved the bill. According to Jones, health and disability fraud “hurts everyone from policyholders to providers, and, unfortunately, it is becoming more sophisticated” according to a recent report at www.californiahealthline.com.