Iowa Health Insurance Health Care Bill

Insurance Commissioner Susan Voss held a meeting with Iowa health insurance industry representatives on May 7 to discuss the implementation of a health care cost bill. Specifically,certain provisions require the Iowa Insurance Division to 1) hold a public hearing regarding any proposed rate increases that exceed national health care spending by at least 15 percent; and 2) convene a work group to consider ways to reduce the cost of health care and health insurance premiums. Commissioner Voss noted that the requirement for a hearing applies only to rates filed for approval — the individual market in Iowa. Also, there will be only one hearing per carrier even when the carrier makes filings for several products. Hearings are intended to collect comments from consumers; carriers are not expected to address comments or make a presentation.  Commissioner Voss announced that the work group on reducing costs will not be convened until at least July 1, 2010.  The Commissioner is requesting input from health insurance industry representatives and consumer groups on costs.

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