May 31, 2014
Consumers Union has published an updated version of its comprehensive Advocates Toolkit for Rate Review, originally issued in 2011 as a resource for consumer advocates.
Health insurance rate filings are eagerly anticipated by consumers and consumer advocates as the Affordable Care Act rolls into its second year. This toolkit was developed to support advocates and consumers reviewing rate filings, submitting comments, and potentially participate in hearings. The second edition contains updates based on finalized rate filing regulations as well as updated information on the federal rate review grant program and changes in health insurance rate setting between 2011 and 2014.
Why do insurers raise rates? Are they required to justify rate hikes, and if so, how? How can advocates protect consumers from unreasonable or unjustified increases? This Guide aims to answer these questions.