BRIEF: Most insurers seek rate hikes in R.I. for 2019

May 31--CRANSTON, R.I. -- Rhode Island health insurers have filed requests to change their premium rates for 2019 with the state Office of Health Insurance Commissioners. Most insurers seek increases over the current year -- of up to 10.9 percent -- but two are filing for decreases.

Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, or NHPRI, is requesting a decrease of 0.15 percent for small-group insurance, and United Healthcare PPO is seeking a decrease of 0.6 percent for small-group coverage.

Among the insurers seeking increases are Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, which is requesting a 10.7-percent hike for individual coverage. NHPRI is requesting an 8.7-percent increase for the same type of insurance; and Tufts Health Plan HMO is seeking a 10.9-percent hike over the 2018 rates.

Details on all requests may be found at http://www.ohic.ri.gov/ohic-formandratereview.php

___

(c)2018 The Providence Journal (Providence, R.I.)

Visit The Providence Journal (Providence, R.I.) at www.projo.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.