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

[Cheryl Handsaker]

We have used Tufts and Fallon and HNE. In fact, we had HNE until the middle of this month (when my husband became an employee of a long time client). We belong to the Shelburne Falls Area Business Association. As a member you can apply with the association group through HSA  to get the group rate and have all the options. For us, HNE was the least expensive option this year. Blackmer Insurance (or other knowledgeable health insurance agent) can help you choose the most affordable plan - and none really are affordable :-). 

Our costs go up at least 10% and usually more like 15% a year and the only way to keep it closer to 10% is to change insurance companies every year. This is an incredible hassle but worth the money often. 

Good luck!

----------------------
  Charlemont Web Works
  Web Application Development, Web Maintenance and Joomla! sites

--- On Wed, 8/25/10, Alexander Simon <alex at logictrail.com> wrote:

From: Alexander Simon <alex at logictrail.com>
Subject: Re: [Hidden-tech] 25% Hike for MA Small Business Health Insurance Rates
To: "Christine at GrowMyCo.com" <Christine at GrowMyCo.com>
Cc: "hidden-discuss" <Hidden-discuss at lists.hidden-tech.net>
Date: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 9:22 PM

   ** Be sure to fill out the survey/skills inventory in the member's area.
   ** If you did, we all thank you.


Christine - We've used Fallon at our agency for just over a year. Pretty much the best rate we could find and the network is pretty good. They're growing quite a bit in western MA and have fairly great customer service for small businesses. Recommended.

Alexander SimonLogicTrail
On Aug 25, 2010, at 1:58 PM, "Christine Pilch" <Christine at GrowMyCo.com> wrote:

   ** Be sure to fill out the survey/skills inventory in the member's area.
   ** If you did, we all thank you.






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 

Christine at GrowMyCo.com 

http://growmyco.com



 

Connect:    

   

   






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