rate review

Multi-State Plan Program Final Rule: OPM's Balancing Act

Posted July 7, 2013 by CHIR Faculty

The Office of Personnel Management recently issued a final rule on the multi-state plan program in which it attempts to standardize contracting processes and state rules to, in theory, make it easier for insurers to enter new markets while limiting the extent to which multi-state plan issuers can bypass state consumer protections and preserving a level playing field in exchanges. Christine Monahan discusses how OPM has attempted to balance these competing pressures and discusses where multi-state plans may or may not have flexibility.

The “How To” Guide to the Federally Facilitated Exchange

Posted July 5, 2013 by

Last week CMS released a set of instructions to insurance companies seeking to sell plans in the federally facilitated exchanges. Sabrina Corlette took a look at some of the details and provides some of the plan management highlights.

Florida’s Changes to Rate Review: Heading Backward?

Posted June 13, 2013 by CHIR Faculty

Of the many consumer protection tools available to health insurance regulators, one of the most powerful is the ability to review premium rates. Yet, some states have made recent decisions to abdicate this authority to federal regulators. Sally McCarty discusses recently enacted legislation in Florida that suspends the state’s rate review requirements – and what it means for insurers, regulators, and consumers.

Using Rate Review to Make Health Insurance More Affordable: Once Again, Rhode Island Leads the Way

Posted May 28, 2013 by

Rhode Island’s insurance regulators are using their rate review authority in innovative ways to make premiums more affordable for consumers – and tackle some of the underlying drivers of health care cost increases. Sabrina Corlette takes a look at Rhode Island’s most recent action to push the rate review envelope.

Checking in on the NAIC: Work in Progress to Update Model State Laws to Comply with the Affordable Care Act

Posted May 22, 2013 by

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) continues its work to support states’ implementation of the ACA. One work group is taking on the daunting task of updating dozens of model state health insurance laws to reflect the ACA’s new consumer protections. Sabrina Corlette joined their most recent call and provides an overview of their progress.

In the Midst of “Rate Shock” Fears, Insurers Request Lower Rates in Oregon

Posted May 13, 2013 by

An interesting thing happened in Oregon last week after the Division of Insurance publicly posted insurers’ proposed premium rates for 2014. After seeing their competitors’ prices, two insurers asked the Division to allow them to reduce their proposed rates. Sabrina Corlette examines these recent developments and their implications for consumers.

Taking Rate Review to the Next Level: New Report Examines Possible New Mechanisms to Bend the Cost Curve

Posted April 24, 2013 by

A new report from Oregon examines the effect of that state’s rate review program – and proposes innovative ways to use rate review to encourage higher quality, more efficient health care. Sabrina Corlette takes a look.

Vermont’s Rate Fillings: What Do They Mean for Consumers?

Posted April 2, 2013 by CHIR Faculty

On Monday, Vermont became the first state to release preliminary rate filings for plans to be sold in their health insurance exchange in 2014. Christine Monahan crunches the numbers to see what they mean for consumers.

Using Rate Review to Address Affordability of Coverage: Efforts in the States

Posted July 23, 2012 by

A handful of states are taking innovative approaches to the regulation of health insurance premium rates to help make coverage more affordable. Sabrina Corlette takes a look at these new strategies and the impact they could have on the cost of health care.

CHIR Faculty Member Mila Kofman Takes Helm of D.C. Insurance Exchange

Posted July 13, 2012 by

Our friend and CHIR colleague, Mila Kofman, has been named the Executive Director of the health insurance exchange for D.C. CHIRblogger Sabrina Corlette writes about this exciting new chapter.