Public may comment Aug. 3 on Highmark insurance rate increase request

The Delaware Department of Insurance has launched a special section on its website for public comments with regard to the requested rate increase by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware. This increase request of 33.6 percent applies only to health insurance plans on the Affordable Care Act Exchange.

This launch comes as the department requests an independent actuarial review of Highmark's proposed rate increase. Under Delaware law, when a rate increase request is filed with the department, the insurance commissioner must consider those review findings in addition to public comments before arriving at a decision on the proposed increase.

Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro said, "Highmark's proposed rate increase is frustrating for many hardworking Delawareans who receive their health insurance through the Obamacare Exchange. It is only fair that the consumers who face this increase have their concerns heard. This initiative is designed in the interest of transparency. It will provide consumers an important opportunity to give input into the rate determination process and on the proposed request pending before the department. Consumer comments will aid the department in arriving at the best possible decision."

If enrollment remains constant from last year, approximately 27,000 consumers could be affected by this rate request. To submit comments online in response to Highmark's proposed rate increase for Affordable Care Act plans, go to http://insurance.delaware.gov/public-comment/.

Consumers may also submit their comments in writing to: Delaware Department of Insurance, Attn: Rate Increases, 841 Silver Lake Blvd., Dover, DE 19904.

Sussex County consumers will also have the opportunity to provide comments in person before Navarro, Highmark executives, and the independent actuary at a public comment session from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 3, at Delaware Technical Community College Owens Campus, 21179 College Drive, Georgetown.

For more information about offering comments on the rate filing, contact the Division of Consumer Services at 302-674-7310 or consumer@state.de.us.