Massachusetts Health Insurers Want Significant Rate Hikes (32% by April 1 - Commiecare™ update)

WBZ TV ^ | 3/06/10

[Libloather]

Mass. Health Insurers Want Significant Rate Hikes
Mar 6, 2010 3:43 pm US/Eastern

BOSTON (AP) - Massachusetts health insurance companies have asked the state to approve significant rate hikes, weeks after Gov. Deval Patrick warned his administration might turn down increases it deemed excessive.

The insurers have asked for increases of 8 to 32 percent, starting April 1.

Last month, Patrick said the state Division of Insurance would review rate increases higher than 4.8 percent as part of a broader effort to control health care expenses.

The Boston Globe reports that if the state rejects the increases, it would be the first time Massachusetts has capped health insurance rates.

Insurers say the increases are mostly the result of a rise in medical spending. They say if the state caps the rates, it would cause confusion because contracts have already been negotiated under the higher rates.

[Libloather]

...the first time Massachusetts has capped health insurance rates.

And the first time for rationing?

[jessduntno]

This is hilarious...Mittens was just on Fox telling everyone that he thought Romneycare was a real success...

[BlessedBeGod]

How is this possible? I thought Mitt Romney's MA healthcare was utopia and a model for the rest of the country?..........< /sarcasm >

[johniegrad]

This as a stand alone item is enough not to support Romney for the presidential nomination.

[ClearCase_guy]

CA leads the way, but MA would love to catch up and reach the promised land of socialism first.

[presently no screen name]

JD should bring this out - Who would you think the originator of RomneyCare would support - a conservative? NEVER!

[Secret Agent Man]

p>

For the whole series of Zero dollar bills, go here:

"Flickr Archive of Zero Bills"

[browniexyz]

So, Massachusetts passes a MANDATE—and the people STILL have rate hikes??? unbelievable!! /sarc

[TornadoAlley3]

health insurance companies have asked the state

This is what everyone is missing when Dems complain about insurance companies raising rates. The STATES have to approve it.

[4Liberty]

‘Free stuff’ is still limited stuff. Here come the shortages...

[big'ol_freeper]

Hey Mitt...you scum-sucking statist jerk...look at your boongoggle and the impact it will have on citizens. RATIONING on the way. AND IT’S YOUR FAULT @SSCLOWN!!