NH Insurance Department to Hold Nov. 3 Annual Public Hearing on Health Insurance Premiums

CONCORD, N.H., Oct. 26 -- The New Hampshire Department of Insurance issued the following news release:

The New Hampshire Insurance Department will host its annual public hearing on health insurance premiums and medical care cost drivers from 9 a.m.‐12:30 p.m. on Friday, November 3, 2017, at the University of New Hampshire School of Law in Concord.

According to state law, the Insurance Commissioner "shall hold an annual public hearing concerning premium rates in the health insurance market and the factors, including health care costs and cost trends, that have contributed to rate increases during the prior year." This year's public hearing is based on data and information available in 2016.

"The New Hampshire Insurance Department's annual hearing is an important tool to increase transparency and foster dialogue on health care costs in New Hampshire," said New Hampshire Insurance Commissioner Roger Sevigny. "Each year, we convene health insurance companies, members of state government, and New Hampshire residents to examine what's behind higher health care costs in the state and what can be done about it. I encourage anyone who is interested to attend, either in person or remotely."

This year's hearing will include a report on the 2016 data submitted by health insurance companies in New Hampshire. Two separate insurer panel discussions will focus on managing covered populations, benefit design, and provider payment reform. The hearing will include a public comment period. The hearing is open to the public, although seating is limited. Live streaming of the event is planned.

* Reserve a seat to attend the event in person.

* Register for the livestream option.

For more information on the event: https://www.nh.gov/insurance/media/events/annual‐hearing.htm The New Hampshire Insurance Department's mission is to promote and protect the public good by ensuring the existence of a safe and competitive insurance marketplace through the development and enforcement of the insurance laws of the State of New Hampshire. For more information, visit http://www.nh.gov/insurance.