Pennsylvania insurance regulators see their rate review authority expanded with new law

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department has had its authority over insurance rates for small employer health care policies expanded this week. On Thursday, Governor Tom Corbett signed Senate Bill 1336 into law, giving regulators the power to adjust the insurance rates in the small group market. For the first time, state insurance regulators will be able to review and disapprove new rate proposals coming from insurers. They will also be able to require insurers to justify their need for a rate increase and demand changes if necessary. Insurance Commissioner Mike Consedine…

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Pennsylvania insurance bill has consumer advocates on edge

A new bill passed in Pennsylvania has consumer advocacy groups a little worried about the state’s future health insurance program. The bill in question was passed by the state Senate on Wednesday requires all health insurers in the state to submit their rate proposals to regulators for review if they are seeking increases of 10% or higher. While legislators claim that more regulations will help ensure insurance companies do not enact excessive rate increased, consumer advocacy group Pennsylvania Health Access Network, says that the bill compromises the protections of small…

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