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

[Marcia Yudkin]

Christine,

I don't think it's true that HNE won't insure the self-employed.  I use Harvard Pilgrim through a third-party system called HSA (=Health Services Alliance??) and I could swear there was an HNE option among others, the last time I had the option of switching.

Look it up here:
http://www.hsainsurance.com/

Marcia Yudkin
Goshen

--- On Wed, 8/25/10, Christine Pilch <Christine at GrowMyCo.com> wrote:

From: Christine Pilch <Christine at GrowMyCo.com>
Subject: [Hidden-tech] 25% Hike for MA Small Business Health Insurance Rates
To: "'hidden-discuss'" <Hidden-discuss at lists.hidden-tech.net>
Date: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 1:58 PM

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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
  
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