[Hidden-tech] 25% Hike for MA Small Business Health Insurance Rates

[Christine Pilch]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but your small business health insurance
rates are going up about 25%, effective September 1 for many. I received my
letter from Blue Cross this morning, and yours is certainly coming soon.

 

By means of background. A few months ago the MA Division of Insurance froze
rates at 2009 levels while they investigated unfair increases in premiums
that health insurers were forcing on their customers.  "Responding directly
to concerns raised by the small business community, Governor Deval Patrick
directed the Division of Insurance to investigate potential solutions to
escalating premiums. The Division will hold hearings to examine small
business premium increases, focusing specifically on work insurers are
currently doing to reduce costs and future steps that may be necessary to
eliminate the substantial increases impacting the small-group market." This
is from the Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation page on the
Commonwealth's website: http://tinyurl.com/5st2p9

 

Many of us small business owners rejoiced, believing that we finally had an
advocate. I had received a 25% quoted increase in my premium from Blue Cross
in April, and the DOI freeze forced Blue Cross to hold my 2009 rate,
adjusted to my increased age, effective in May. 

 

Unfortunately, ultimately the DOI did little on our behalf. My rates have
increased annually an average of 17% since 2007, and today's letter
represents a 25% hike for my premium.

 

So, I'm looking for affordable options to Blue Cross. Health New England
won't insure the self employed, and the only other company I've found is
Fallon. What company are you using for your health insurance coverage?
Ideas?

 

Thanks for any guidance you can offer.

 

 

Best regards,

- Christine Pilch





 

Miracle Growth for your Company

 

Grow My Company

68 Dugan Road

Ware, MA, 01082

413.537.2474

 <mailto:Christine at GrowMyCo.com> Christine at GrowMyCo.com

 <http://growmyco.typepad.com/company/> http://growmyco.com



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