HAWAII 2017 AFFORDABLE CARE ACT INDIVIDUAL RATES

News Release from DCCA, October 7, 2016

HONOLULU – The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division released final decisions for 2017 Affordable Care Act (ACA) individual plan health insurance rates. These rates are expected to affect approximately 41,000 individuals currently purchasing ACA individual plans.

2016 ACA Individual Health Rate Filings

Company Proposed Average Rate Change  Final Approved Average Rate Change

HMSA      43.3%                                     35.0%

Kaiser      25.9%                                     25.9%

“The Insurance Division’s approval of rates were made pursuant to the statutory requirement that rates cannot be excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory” said State Insurance Commissioner Gordon Ito.

“Healthcare costs continue to rise at a significant pace, while healthcare utilization in ACA plans continue to be extremely high, not only in Hawaii, but nationwide.  This highlights a challenge in balancing these rising healthcare costs with ensuring affordable access to health insurance,” added Commissioner Ito. “While we hoped to maintain rates at a more stable level, we found the premium increases necessary for carriers to continue to provide ACA individual coverage within the State. Hawaii remains committed to ensuring health care for all and continues to look for ways to improve health insurance access.”

Utilizing rate and policy analysts and actuaries, the Insurance Division closely reviews all submitted data to ensure that rates are adequate, fair, and justified.  With the rising costs of the healthcare delivery system, rates must also be set at levels that are adequate to prevent insolvency and keep competition in the market.  Inadequate rates could result in an insurer failing to meet statutory solvency requirements which would jeopardize policyholders and providers under their plans.

Consumers are encouraged to review and understand the offered ACA plans during open enrollment starting November 1, 2016.

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The Hawaii Insurance Division oversees the Hawaii insurance industry; issues licenses; examines the fiscal condition of Hawaii-based companies; reviews rate and policy filings; and investigates insurance related complaints.

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