| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 13, 2022 |
CONTACT: Jim Carson, Communications Director 860-214-1539 Jim.Carson@ct.gov |
Statement from Insurance Commissioner Andrew N. Mais
on Public Hearing on Health Insurance Rate Request Filings for 2023
“The health insurance rate hearing is an annual process and one that, during my tenure, has always accepted public testimony from consumers, consumer advocates, elected officials and interested parties. That hearing process will happen again this year, and the public is welcome to testify. The Department is fully committed to consumer protection and transparency which is why our hearings are all open to the public and broadcast over the public affairs CT-N Network. We are finalizing the details and expect to announce the early August hearing date and time this week. Working within the authority granted to this Department, we will closely examine these rate filings, which are all fully posted on the Department website, to make sure the requested rates are consistent with state law. Once the hearing and our thorough actuarial review is completed, the final rates for 2023 will be announced.”
- Andrew N. Mais, Connecticut Insurance Commissioner
Connecticut law provides who may administer an oath and during which types of proceedings. As mentioned, informational hearings have historically provided the Department with the best and most up to date information from carriers as such hearings do not impede upon the free flow of information, provides the public with greater access and participation, and adds to the transparency of the filings and review process.
If the Department is not satisfied with responses to questions or information provided by our licensees, our insurance statutes provide the Commissioner with discretionary authority on possible actions to help us obtain that information.
The informational hearings moderated by the Commissioner allow state agencies, elected officials, and the public to make comments and ask questions of the health carriers. These types of hearings allow for greater and more robust public participation as they are not bound by the limitations and constraints of the state Uniform Administrative Procedures Act (UAPA) found in chapter 54 of title 4 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
In addition to personally testifying, the Insurance Department also welcomes public comment and suggestions through our website, email, or in writing. Click here for the 2023 Requested Rate Filings to submit comments electronically.
Last year, the Department continued to protect consumers by reducing health insurers’ requested rate increases, despite rising health care costs. Rate increase requests in the individual market were reduced by 35% from the requested 8.6%, resulting in an average increase of 5.6%. In the small group market, the insurers’ requested premium increases were reduced 48% from a requested average of 12.9% to 6.7%.
About the Connecticut Insurance Department: The mission of the Connecticut Insurance Department is to protect consumers through regulation of the industry, outreach, education, and advocacy.
- Email us at insurance@ct.gov
- Ask a question or file a complaint online
- Call the Consumer Helpline at 800-203-3447 or 860-297-3900.
- Sign up for e-alerts to get the latest news, warnings and rate changes that may affect your premium
- Download consumer FAQs on health, homeowner and auto coverage
- Use the Department’s Speakers Bureau for public events.
- Visit our Web site and follow the Department on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube