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

[Christine Polaczak]

HI Christine,

As a freelance designer, I too had Health New England through Mass  
Business Association membership for many years. Though HNE premiums  
have also increased, the coverage here in Western Mass is good. And  
Baystate's affiliation with Tufts makes Boston specialists available.

Best of luck.

Chris

Christine Polaczak
chris at cpdesignworks.com
413 539-3582




On Aug 25, 2010, at 1:58 PM, Christine Pilch wrote:

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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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