Kaiser Permanente Hawaii seeks rate hikes averaging 10.7%

[The Sushi Bandit]

Source: Honolulu Advertiser

HMSA also files to increase premiums for large corporations

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii is seeking double-digit rate hikes for most of its members under proposed increases pending before the state Insurance Division.

The state's second-largest health plan yesterday said it is seeking an average 10.7 percent rate hike to cover rapidly rising medical costs. The increase would affect 150,000 members and take effect as commercial accounts renew agreements next year.

The Hawaii Medical Service Association also yesterday said it has filed to increase premiums for large corporations that renew their policies in January, but declined to disclose the average amount it is seeking.



Read more: http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20091105/NEWS01/911050343/Kaiser+Permanente+Hawaii+seeks+rate+hikes+averaging+10.7+

[xchrom]

1. of course! --what's the sense in being in {big} business

if you're not trying to screw your fellow citizens and drive the country into financial ruin?

D'UH.

[dtotire]

2. I Am Also Getting A Rate Hike

I have BC/BS. Going up from $356.59 to $400.97 monthly. The rest is paid by my previous employer.
That is around 12 1/2%.

[Zoeisright]

3. Well, it's probably more to cover 'rapidly rising executive pay'

than 'rapidly rising medical costs'.

Greedy bastards.

[cadaverdog]

6. When you mention the rate hikes going to executives

are you refering to Kaiser? If so, I would appreciate if you could provide a link to Kaiser-Permanente executives receiving outrageous pay packages, ala the for-profit insurance market.

[KamaAina]

4. The state insurance commissioner is a loyal Lingle yes-man

I had the dubious pleasure of watching him parrot the party line testify before the Legislature on numerous occasions in my former life out there.

So it's pretty much a given that Kaiser and HMSA are gonna get their rate hikes. And since both are nonprofits, the windfall goes not to shreholders but as Wall Street-style bonuses to top execs. :puke:

[The Sushi Bandit]

8. so true

[DebbieCDC]

5. Just like the credit card companies

Get those increases in before the laws change.

Goddamn bloodsuckers.

[Festivito]

7. Why is their increase HALF of our companies back here?

Must be that everyone and everything covered thingy they have over there.