HMOs Will Seek 14.1% Increase In Premiums By 2008, Analysis Says
According to Jeff Smith, co-director of Hewitt's HMO rate-analysis project, most HMOs have proposed rate increases that are consistent with previous years, but "a few carriers have proposed significantly higher rate increases for 2008, which seems to be the primary reason for the spike in this year's overall rate increase across plans."
In addition, more young, healthy employees are choosing low-premium, high-deductible, consumer-driven health plans, leaving HMOs with a higher proportion of employees with health problems -- prompting many HMOs to "become conservative in their trend assumptions and less willing to bend on negotiations," Smith said.
The highest rate increases are being sought by HMOs in the Midwest, at 18.4%, and the Southeast, at 18.2%, according to the analysis. HMOs in the Northeast asked for premium increases averaging 10.7%, the lowest percentage among the nation's five major regions (Wessel, Orlando Sentinel, 6/29). Last year, the Hewitt analysis projected HMO rate increases of 11.7%, compared with final average rate increases of 8.2%.
In a prepared statement, the firm said that lower-than-projected increases might occur in 2008, but increases of 10% or more are expected (Detroit Free Press, 7/2). Hewitt said it also expects HMOs to urge cost-control measures such as wellness programs and special programs for beneficiaries with chronic conditions (Orlando Sentinel, 6/29).
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HMOs va cãuta creºtere de 14,1% Prime Prin 2008, Analiza spune - HMOs Will Seek 14.1% Increase In Premiums By 2008, Analysis Says - articole medicale engleza - startsanatate