California Officials Approve Health Insurance Exchange’s 2015 Rates

California officials have approved 2015 premium rates for health plans offered through the state health insurance exchange, the Los Angeles Times reports (Terhune, Los Angeles Times, 10/3).

Background

All 10 insurers that participated in the state exchange during its first open enrollment period submitted bids and were approved to return for the next open enrollment period, which begins on Nov. 15.

For 2015, exchange plan premiums will be a weighted average of 4.2% higher (California Healthline, 8/1).

Details of Approval

The state Department of Managed Health Care and Department of Insurance said they will not challenge the rate increases.

DMHC Director Shelley Rouillard said, "After careful and in-depth analysis … DMHC found that the health plans' proposed premium rates are actuarially sound." DOI officials said they also found the rates appropriate for HealthNet -- the only insurer that agency reviewed.

Meanwhile, DMHC also is investigating exchange plans' provider networks to ensure enrollees have adequate access to care (Los Angeles Times, 10/3).