Connecticut Insurers Seek State Approval For 2009 Medigap Premium Rate Increases

Main Category: Medicare / Medicaid / SCHIP
Also Included In: Health Insurance / Medical Insurance
Article Date: 01 Oct 2008 - 11:00 PDT

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Premiums for Medicare supplemental insurance in Connecticut could increase by as much as 12% to 15% in 2009 -- "some of the largest premium increases in years," the Hartford Courant reports. The Connecticut Insurance Department has approved a request by United Healthcare to increase Medigap premiums by 8.4% to 10%, while Bankers Life and Casualty has sought approval to increase rates from 6.5% to 15%. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield also filed a proposal to increase rates on Jan. 1, 2009, by 11% to 12% for many of its plans and an 8% to 12.5% increase on most standardized supplemental plans sold after Aug. 1, 1992.

Sarah Yeager, an Anthem spokesperson, cited a greater demand for medical services, increasing physician and hospital fees, and changes in Medicare as reasons for the premium increases. Anthem in 2008 increased premium rates by 2.4% to 3.5% for Medigap plans. The insurance department is scheduled to hold a public hearing on some of the rate increases soon (Levick, Hartford Courant, 9/27).

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