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

[Christine Pilch]

Thanks so much to all of you who contributed suggestions and tips.

 

By means of follow-up, I have received 2 calls from the press in response to
a release that I sent out, so hopefully that will help raise awareness.

 

Is there anything that Hidden-Tech can do as a group to put pressure of the
Governor to stop this outrageous “tax” on small business?

 

 

Thanks again,

- Christine

 

 

 

From: hidden-discuss-bounces at lists.hidden-tech.net
[mailto:hidden-discuss-bounces at lists.hidden-tech.net] On Behalf Of Karen
Ribeiro
Sent: Friday, August 27, 2010 9:54 AM
To: 'hidden-discuss'
Subject: Re: [Hidden-tech] 25% Hike for MA Small Business Health Insurance
Rates

 

In order to take advantage of the very beneficial HSA (Health Savings
Account) option, you have to be covered by an insurance policy with a high
deductible. (individual = $1150, family = $2300).
http://www.irs.gov/publications/p969/index.html 

 

 <http://www.innerfortune.com/> IF logo with slogan

Karen Ribeiro

413-265-3892 (c)

http://www.linkedin.com/in/karenribeiro 

 

 

From: hidden-discuss-bounces at lists.hidden-tech.net
[mailto:hidden-discuss-bounces at lists.hidden-tech.net] On Behalf Of Marcia
Yudkin
Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 6:28 PM
To: 'hidden-discuss'
Subject: Re: [Hidden-tech] 25% Hike for MA Small Business Health Insurance
Rates

 



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

   ** 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

 

 

 

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