Connecticut’s largest hospital network and largest insurer are in the midst of a contract dispute. And it’s happening against the backdrop of significant changes in health care that have implications for patients across the state: the consolidation of hospitals into larger networks, and efforts by insurers to change how they pay for care.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
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Do public hearings influence what health insurance costs?
A Fairfield County couple traveled to Hartford in June to urge regulators not to let their son’s insurer raise its rates. A month later, the insurance department rejected the company’s proposal. But what role did the public hearing have in that decision? Not much, according to the department.
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Insurance department rejects Anthem rate hike, lowers others
The Connecticut Insurance Department rejected Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s request to raise individual-market premiums by an average of 12.5 percent next year, deeming the proposal excessive and directing the carrier to submit new rate proposals for review.
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Anthem links rate hike proposal to Hepatitis C drugs, state law
Updated 1:50 p.m. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield officials said Friday that the company needs to raise rates on its individual-market policies by an average of 12.5 percent to account for rising pharmaceutical costs, particularly costly new Hepatitis C drugs. Customers, meanwhile, blasted the company for proposing to raise prices on coverage they say is already unaffordable.
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Obamacare glitch leading to canceled policies, some say
Republican leaders say constituents have had their policies canceled because of problems with the state’s Obamacare exchange. Their claim isn’t entirely accurate, but people involved in insurance administration say problems are causing some people to lose coverage.
Posted inHealth
Insurance Department schedules hearing on Anthem’s proposed rate hikes
The Connecticut Insurance Department is holding a public hearing on the proposal by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to raise premiums for its health plans starting Jan. 1, 2015.
Posted inHealth
Healthcare advocate wants hearing on Anthem rate request
State Healthcare Advocate Victoria Veltri has asked the Connecticut Insurance Department to hold a public hearing on Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s proposal to raise premiums for its individual-market health plans by an average of 12.5 percent next year.
Posted inHealth
Exchange premiums could rise more than 10 percent next year — or drop, for some
Two insurers selling health plans through Connecticut’s exchange want to raise rates by more than 10 percent next year, while a third wants to lower its premiums, according to proposals filed with the Connecticut Insurance Department.
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Access Health CT update: Younger people bought late; calls still coming
Just over 80,018 state residents have private health insurance purchased through the state’s health insurance exchange, Access Health CT, according to numbers presented Thursday.
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Obamacare Q&A: Exchange deadlines, insurance options and tax credits
What you need to know about the end of the 2014 open enrollment period, the insurance options you’ll have once it’s over, when you’ll face a penalty if you don’t get covered and the possibility of getting federal financial help buying a health plan outside the exchange.
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Access Health CT claims an ‘Olympic bump’
Connecticut’s health insurance exchange has been advertising heavily during broadcasts of the winter games, and in the week after the opening ceremony, the number of daily enrollments rose by 67 percent.
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Anthem extends payment deadline for new members
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has extended the payment deadline for customers beginning coverage in February and will continue to provide customer service to people who visit the company’s Wallingford headquarters through the end of the month.
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Anthem making progress, but some customers still waiting
After nearly a month of customer frustration and scrutiny from state regulators, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has made progress in getting health care coverage set up for its January customers, according to state officials.
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Connecticut regulators losing patience with Anthem coverage delays
David Gilbert says he sent his $825 check to Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in early December. It was supposed to ensure that the Voluntown man would have health insurance by the start of this year. But two weeks into 2014, Gilbert, 63, is still waiting for proof that he has insurance.
Posted inHealth
Exchange CEO: Anthem acknowledges billing, payment problems
The head of Connecticut’s health insurance exchange said Friday that officials at Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield have acknowledged “administrative challenges” in setting up coverage for people who signed up for plans that were supposed to begin Jan. 1.