Koller seeking input on rate-hike requests

CRANSTON – Health Insurance Commissioner Christopher F. Koller is seeking public input on rate-hike requests filed by the state’s three commercial health insurers: Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, UnitedHealthcare of New England and Tufts Health Plan.
All three had sought double-digit rate hikes last spring, but withdrew them at Koller’s request. Tufts returned in the fall and got an 8.5 percent hike; Blue Cross and United waited until now.
This time around, Blue Cross is seeking an average 11.5 percent hike for small groups and 14.6 percent for large groups, effective May 1 and July 1, respectively. United is seeking a 10.5 percent hike for small groups and a 9.9 percent hike for large groups, both effective July 1. Tufts is seeking a 9.5 percent hike for small groups, effective May 1, and a 9.3 percent hike for large groups, effective July 1.
The filings involve what insurers call “rate factors,” which are adjustments to their base rates to reflect cost trends. Individual groups’ rates are adjusted for their demographics and, for large groups, claims experience.
To read the filings and Koller’s request for comments, go to www.ohic.ri.gov. •