Live Insurance News

State insurance regulators start approving rate hikes to cover Trump’s slashed subsidies

October 27, 2017October 26, 2017 Nordstrom

trump health insurance regulators premiums rates

Officials in Maryland have already given their approval to the last minute increases, but others are following. Insurance regulators in many states are starting to look into last minute health plan rate increases to compensate for the elimination of Affordable Care Act subsidies. Michigan officials have warned that they are already looking into the increases that they are likely to approve. At the same time, Maryland insurance regulators have already given their approval to the rate hikes. These increases are a direct response to President Trump’s executive order that eliminated…

Maine legislators set sights on health insurance issues

February 26, 2014February 24, 2014 S.Vagus

Network coverage problems attract the attention of state lawmakers Maine lawmakers are beginning to look into an issue involving insurance companies and network coverage. Insurers typically have a network of hospitals and health care providers that are approved for coverage under the policies they provide to consumers. This is meant to form a symbiotic relationship between insurers and hospitals, but it can also be somewhat problematic for consumers, especially when network changes are made and the doctors they have been visiting for years are no longer a part of a…

Maine officials work to raise awareness of health insurance opportunities

December 12, 2013December 10, 2013 Nordstrom

Maine residents may lack access to guidance Guidance concerning health insurance has been difficult for some to attain in Maine since the launch of the state’s insurance exchange in October. Nearly a dozen of the state’s largest communities are located more than 15 miles from navigators that can provide assistance to those interested in applying for coverage through the exchange system. While many consumers can access navigators via phone, navigators themselves have proven to be quite busy and it can be somewhat difficult to get in touch with a counselor…

Health insurance hearing held in Maine

September 11, 2013September 9, 2013 G. Turner

Residents have expressed concern about changes proposed to Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. Following concerns that have been expressed by residents of Maine regarding changes that have been proposed to Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance, a hearing was scheduled for this week to allow them the opportunity to speak and have their voices heard. On Monday, the hearing was held at the Cross State Office Building, located in Augusta. The health insurance hearing was held by the Bureau of Insurance. It took place in Augusta and was focused…

Maine to adopt more robust rate review process

January 25, 2013January 23, 2013 S.Vagus

Maine aims to mitigate costly health insurance rate hikes Many of the largest health insurance companies in the U.S. have warned states that they can expect to see significant rate increases for coverage in the coming years due to provisions of the Affordable Care Act being enacted by the federal government. This has caused some state officials to direct their anger at the federal government, while other states have been working to adopt a more robust rate review process that may enable them to avoid serious rate hikes in the…

Maine health insurance reform deemed failure by report

September 24, 2012 S.Vagus

Report highlights problems created by health insurance reform Consumers for Affordable Health Care, a non-profit advocacy organization based in Maine, has released a new report concerning the health insurance overhaul that was passed in the state last year. The law brought significant health insurance reforms to the state that were well received by residents. The report suggests, however, that the health insurance overhaul is not accomplishing its goals and may be doing more harm than good. The report is based on information from the Main Bureau of Insurance. Law aims…

Maine health insurance premiums continue to climb

September 6, 2012September 5, 2012 S.Vagus

Main health insurance premiums grow despite more accommodating laws Several states in the U.S. are preparing to adopt and comply with more stringent insurance regulations due to the Affordable Care Act. Maine, however, is breaking this trend by loosening its insurance rules. These rules are often cited for making Maine one of the states with the highest insurance premiums in the country. State officials hope that by being more lenient on insurance companies they will be able to encourage a reduction in premiums and make insurance coverage more affordable for…