HMSA small-business premiums see 7% rise
The rate hike affecting 5,400 small businesses compares with an average 2.1 percent increase a year ago.
"The best way to keep health care affordable is to improve the health of our members at small businesses and across
Some small groups could see higher or lower medical and drug premiums than the average approved by the state Insurance Division, which regulates health plan rates, depending on utilization and other factors.
RATE HIKES
HMSA premium increases for small businesses renewing policies
2018 7.0%
2017 2.1%
2016 8.1%
2015 7.6%
2014 8.9%
2013 6.8%
2012 2.6%
Source: HMSA
HMSA said it is starting to see efforts to control costs working among its nearly 735,000 members.
The state's largest health insurer initiated a controversial payment model in recent years, reimbursing doctors a fixed monthly rate for each patient in a practice, instead of fee-for-service, which reimburses doctors based on the number of patient visits and type of service. It also has started paying for gym memberships and partnered with the
"A 7 percent rate increase is not sustainable, so we need to address health care cost drivers to bring the rate increases down to a level that makes it sustainable. The efforts to improve population health must continue," said Insurance Commissioner
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UPDATE: H.R.6641 – To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act and title XVIII of the Social Security Act to prohibit health insurance issuers, group health plans, Medicare Advantage organizations, and prescription drug plan sponsors from limiting drug price information a pharmacy may give to a consumer.
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