In a decisive move for the wallets of Massachusetts residents and business owners, Governor Maura Healey shared the news of a hefty $4.5 million slice off the projected health care premiums for the upcoming year. According to a statement released by the Governor's office, this financial reprieve is thanks to the Division of Insurance's tough stance in talks with six health insurers over their proposed rate hikes.
A total of 421,252 individuals and businesses involved with Fallon Community Health Plan, Health New England, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Mass General Brigham Health Plan, Tufts Health Public Plans, and United Healthcare are set to benefit from the re-negotiated lower rates. However, not all proposed increases got the stamp of approval, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts HMO Blue, Inc. and WellSense Health Plan were met with disapproval from Commissioner Michael Caljouw citing the proposed hikes as "excessive and inconsistent" with his dedication to the state's consumers and businesses, these disapprovals can be contested through an administrative appeals process if the companies wish to go down that road.
"Health care costs are too high, and today's actions will save families and businesses $4.5 million from what the insurers attempted to charge," Governor Healey stated. Massachusetts has long been a frontrunner in healthcare, extending its influence far beyond its borders, the expectation now firmly set that all stakeholders commit to curtailing costs. Despite these steps forward, Governor Healey acknowledges the journey to affordable healthcare is ongoing, ensuring the Division of Insurance's leverage in negotiations through fresh legislation designed to deflate overblown health insurance rate filings.
